Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction 8/21/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Los Angeles Dodgers will meet on Friday night in the opening game of a three‑game National League series at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates enter Friday’s contest with a 63–66 overall record (4th in the National League Central) and a 29–34 mark on the road. The Pirates offense has been competitive this season. Pittsburgh has compiled 646 runs scored (3rd in MLB), 198 doubles, 155 home runs and a .256 team batting average which ranks third in Major League Baseball.    

The Pirates arrive at tomorrow night’s game in good form. Pittsburgh has won three of the team’s last four games played this season, including an 8–3 victory over the Boston Red Sox last week.  

Pittsburgh will turn to right hander Bubba Chandler in this game. In 23 starts made this season, Chandler has compiled a 6–8 win loss record, a 4.23 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP and 108 strikeouts in 121.8 innings pitched this season. Chandler arrives at this contest in good form, allowing two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four starts made in 2026.

The Pittsburgh Pirates lineup features second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Lowe has tallied 27 home runs (14th in MLB), 80 RBIs (9th in MLB), 47 walks, 25 doubles and an .817 OPS. Bryan Reynolds has compiled a .261 batting average, 9 stolen bases, 66 RBIs and 15 home runs.                                                   

Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter Friday night’s matchup with a 77–51 overall record (1st in the National League West) and a 37–26 at home. The Dodgers have played quality baseball recently, winning four of the team’s last six games, including an 11-5 win over the Colorado Rockies earlier this week.

Los Angeles will start right hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto in tomorrow’s game. In 22 starts made in 2026, Yamamoto has compiled a 12–7 win-loss record, a 2.60 ERA (8th in MLB), a 0.89 WHIP and 136 strikeouts in 145.1 innings pitched. Yamamoto has pitched exceptionally well recently, allowing two earned runs or less in four of his last five starts made this season.  

The Los Angeles Dodgers lineup features Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. Shohei Ohtani enters this contest with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, and a .942 OPS (7th in MLB). Freddie Freeman has compiled a .303 batting average, 15 home runs, 55 walks, 61 RBIs and an .844 OPS.                                           

Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win.

• Offensive firepower. Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds continue to anchor the Pirates lineup.

• Starting pitching. In 23 starts made this season, Bubba Chandler has compiled a 6–8 win loss record, a 4.23 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP and 108 strikeouts in 121.8 innings pitched this season.

• Current form. The Pittsburgh Pirates have won three of the team’s last four games.     

Why the Los Angeles Dodgers will win.

 • Home field edge. Los Angeles has played outstanding baseball (37-26) at Dodger Stadium this season.

• Offensive balance. Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani provide have been key contributors for the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup.

• Pitching stability. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has compiled a 12–7 record and a 2.60 ERA across 22 starts made this season.    

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction

In my view, this matchup favors the Los Angeles Dodgers. Why? Los Angeles starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has pitched exceptionally well recently, allowing two earned runs or less in four of his last five starts made this season. Additionally, the Dodgers have played good baseball at home, amassing a robust 37-26 win-loss record at Dodger Stadium. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Los Angeles Dodgers on the moneyline in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers ML