Pirates vs Nationals Prediction 9/12/2025 Today’s MLB Picks

In this article we will formulate a Pirates vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Friday, September 12th at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 64-83 this year after they lost all three against Baltimore by scores of 2-3, 1-2, and 2-3. In their game three loss, Pittsburgh led 1-0 in the first inning and they tied the game at two in the third, but went scoreless over the last six innings for the loss. The Pirates recorded nine hits in the game and they were led by Gonzales and Canario, who both had one RBI in the loss. Pittsburgh started Oviedo, who allowed five hits and two earned runs over 5.2 innings, while Holderman picked up the loss. 

Prior to that series, the Pirates lost all three against the Brewers, but did sweep the Dodgers in three games before that. Pittsburgh has lost six games in a row and they are still last in the NL Central standings. The Pittsburgh pitching staff has a 3.87 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP and a .237 opponent batting average, while their offense has scored 527 runs with a .232 batting average and a .305 on base percentage this season. Oneil Cruz has led Pittsburgh with 19 home runs and 56 RBIs, while Bryan Reynolds has added 15 home runs and 70 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Pittsburgh is Mitch Keller, who is 6-14 with a 4.16 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP over 162.1 innings pitched this year. 

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 60-86 this season after they split four games with Miami by scores of 15-7, 7-5, 3-8, and 0-5. In their game four loss, Washington allowed two runs in the first inning and they never found any runs in the shutout loss. The Nationals recorded seven hits and they committed two errors in the game, while they were led by DeJong, who went 1-3 in the loss. Washington started Gore, who allowed four hits and two earned runs over 5.0 innings for the loss, while Pilkington allowed two earned runs in relief. 

Prior to that series, the Nationals won two out of three against the Cubs and all three against the Marlins. Washington has won four of their last six games and they are last in the NL East standings. The Washington pitching staff has a 5.30 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP and a .267 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 626 runs with a .245 batting average and a .308 on base percentage this season. James Wood has led Washington with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs, while Josh Bell has added 20 home runs and 58 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Brad Lord, who is 5-8 with a 4.20 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP over 109.1 innings pitched this season. 

Why the Nationals will beat the Pirates

The Pirates have lost seven of their last eight road games against NL East opponents.
The Nationals have won each of their last four home games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
The Nationals have covered the run line in each of their last five home games against National League opponents after playing the previous day.
The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in each of their last three games against National League opponents.
The Pirates have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last three road games against NL East opponents.

Total Runs Facts

Each of the Pirates’ last four road games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
Each of the Nationals’ last four games as favorites against NL Central opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Nationals’ last four games as home favorites against National League opponents.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the Pirates’ last five games as underdogs.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

Josh Bell has recorded at least one Double in each of his last three appearances with the Nationals as home favorites against NL Central opponents.
Josh Bell has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine appearances with the Nationals as home favorites against NL Central opponents.
Josh Bell has hit at least one home run in three of the Nationals’ last five games.

Pittsburgh Pirates Player Prop Facts

Andrew McCutchen has recorded at least one hit in each of his last nine appearances against NL East opponents.
Mitch Keller has recorded five or more strikeouts in each of his last three appearances with the Pirates as road underdogs.
Bryan Reynolds has hit a home run in four of the Pirates’ last six games as underdogs against NL East opponents.
Bryan Reynolds has recorded a Double in five of the Pirates’ last six games at Nationals Park.

Pirates vs Nationals Prediction 

Washington was playing some of their better baseball over the last two weeks, but they lost games three and four against Miami to halt that momentum. The Nationals are 29-42 at home this year, while the Pirates are 22-50 on the road. Pittsburgh is trying to snap their losing streak and they are starting Keller, who has allowed 2, 0, 3, 5, and 6 earned runs in his last five starts. Washington is starting Lord, who has allowed 1, 7, 6, and 4 earned runs in his last four outings. I don’t trust either of these pitchers, but I think Washington gives us a better shot at the plate. Take the Nats here.