Mets vs Pirates Prediction 8/9/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

In this article we will formulate a Mets vs Pirates prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, August 9th at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

New York Mets Betting Preview

The New York Mets are 51-67 this season after they split the first two games by scores of 6-4 and 0-9. In game two, New York fell behind in the first inning and never really had a chance in the ugly loss. The Mets recorded three hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Lindor, who went 1-2. Stock allowed nine hits and eight earned runs over 3.0 innings for the loss, while Torrens allowed one earned run in relief. Prior to this series, New York swept the Guardians in three games, but lost three out of four against the Marlins before that. 

This season, New York has a 4.13 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP and a .240 opponent batting average, while they have scored 488 runs with a .234 batting average and a .304 on base percentage. Juan Soto (IL) has led the Mets with 21 home runs and 52 RBIs, while Bo Bichette has added 11 home runs and 56 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for New York is Sean Manaea, who is 3-5 with a 4.33 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP over 97.2 innings pitched this season. 

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 58-61 this year after they won game two by a score of 9-0 on Saturday night. Pittsburgh scored eight runs in the first four innings and they cruised to the very easy win. The Pirates recorded 12 hits in the game and they were led by Gonzales, who went 1-5 with three RBIs. Chandler allowed three hits and zero earned runs over 6.0 innings for the win, while Bachar threw two innings in relief. Prior to this series, Pittsburgh lost three out of four against the Brewers and three out of four against the Reds. 

This season, Pittsburgh has a 4.29 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP and a .240 opponent batting average, while they have scored 601 runs with a .257 batting average and a .335 on base percentage. Brandon Lowe has led the Pirates with 25 home runs and 74 RBIs, while Ryan O’Hearn has added 17 home runs and 69 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Pittsburgh is Jared Jones, who is 2-3 with a 4.02 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over 56.0 innings pitched this year. 

Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win

• The Pirates have won eight of their last nine day games following a home win.
• The Mets have lost 14 of their last 15 games as road underdogs against National League opponents following a road loss.
• The Mets have failed to cover the run line in six of their last seven games at PNC Park.
• The favorites have covered the run line in four of the Pirates’ last five games.
• The Pirates have led after 3 innings in three of their last four games at PNC Park against opponents that held a losing record.

Why the New York Mets will win

• The Pirates have lost each of their last six games as home favorites against NL East opponents following a home win.
• The Mets have won four of their last five games as road underdogs.
• The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in each of their last six games as favorites against NL East opponents following a home win.
• The underdogs have covered the run line in seven of the Pirates’ last eight games at PNC Park.
• The Mets have led after 5 innings in six of their last eight day games against opponents that held a losing record.

Total Runs Facts

• Four of the Mets’ last five games have gone OVER the total runs line.
• Twenty-one of the Pirates’ last 28 games as home favorites have gone OVER the total runs line.
• There has been no run scored during the first inning in nine of Jared Jones’ last 10 appearances as a starter.
• There has been no run scored during the first inning in six of the Mets’ last seven day games against NL Central opponents.

Pittsburgh Pirates Player Prop Facts

• Esmerlyn Valdez has hit at least one home run in six of his last 10 appearances in day games.
• Jared Jones has recorded eight or more strikeouts in each of his three previous appearances with the Pirates as favorites against NL East opponents.
• Brandon Lowe has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 14 appearances with the Pirates as favorites against NL opponents.

New York Mets Player Prop Facts

• Marcus Semien has hit a home run in two of the Mets’ last three games.
• Luis Robert has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine appearances against the Pirates after playing the previous day.

Mets vs Pirates Prediction

Pittsburgh snapped their losing streak with a shutout win on Saturday night and they desperately need a series win here. The Pirates are 30-29 at home this year, while the Mets are 26-33 on the road. New York has won four of their last five games and they have scored 6+ runs in all four of those wins. The Mets are starting Manaea, who has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts, while Jones has allowed 3, 3, 1, 1, and 0 earned runs in his last five outings. Take the Pirates to get the win here.

David Racey's Pick: Pirates ML