In this article we will formulate a Rangers vs Pirates prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, June 22nd at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Texas Rangers Betting Preview
The Texas Rangers are 38-39 this year after they won the first two games in this series by scores of 6-2 and 3-2. In their game two win, Texas had their lead cut to 3-2 in the sixth inning, but they were able to hold on for the win. The Rangers recorded four hits in the game and they were led by Seager and Semien, who both had one RBI in the win. Texas started Rocker, who allowed five hits and two earned runs over 5.1 innings for the win, while Martin picked up the save. 

Prior to this series, the Rangers lost all three against the Royals, but did sweep the White Sox before that. Texas has lost three of their last five games and they are currently third in the AL West standings. The Texas pitching staff has a 3.16 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and a .222 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 279 runs with a .229 batting average and a .294 on base percentage this season. Adolis Garcia has led Texas with nine home runs and 37 RBIs, while Wyatt Langford has added 13 home runs and 31 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Texas is Jack Leiter, who is 4-4 with a 4.40 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP over 61.1 innings pitched this year. 

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 30-48 this season after they lost game two by a score of 3-2 on Saturday. Pittsburgh tied the game at one in the fifth inning, but they allowed Texas to regain the lead in the sixth, which was the difference in the loss. The Pirates recorded five hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Cruz and Davis, who both had one RBI in the loss. Pittsburgh started Keller, who allowed three hits and two earned runs over 5.2 innings for the loss, while Mlodzinski pitched 2.1 relief innings. 

Prior to this series, the Pirates lost two out of three against the Tigers and three out of four against the Cubs. Pittsburgh has lost six of their last seven games and they are currently last in the NL Central standings. The Pittsburgh pitching staff has a 3.82 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and a .233 opponent batting average, while their offense has scored 249 runs with a .225 batting average and a .301 on base percentage this season. Oneil Cruz has led Pittsburgh with 13 home runs and 31 RBIs, while Bryan Reynolds has added eight home runs and 39 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Pittsburgh is Bailey Falter, who is 5-3 with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP over 80.0 innings pitched this season. 

Why the Pirates will beat the Rangers
The Pirates have won six of their last seven games at PNC Park following a home loss.
The Pirates have covered the run line in five of their last six games against the Rangers following a loss.
The Rangers have failed to cover the run line in nine of their last 11 games against NL Central opponents following a win.

Total Runs Facts
Seven of the Rangers’ last eight games as underdogs against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
Seven of the Pirates’ last eight games after playing the previous day have gone UNDER the total runs line.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Pirates’ last eight games as home favorites.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the Rangers’ last six games as road underdogs against NL Central opponents.

Pittsburgh Pirates Player Prop Facts
Oneil Cruz has hit at least one home run in four of the Pirates’ last 10 games against opponents that held a losing record.
Ke’Bryan Hayes has scored a run in five of the Pirates’ last six games as favorites.
Oneil Cruz has recorded at least one RBI in four of the Pirates’ last five day games against opponents that held a losing record.
Ke’Bryan Hayes has recorded at least one hit in each of the Pirates’ last six games as favorites.

Texas Rangers Player Prop Facts
Marcus Semien has scored at least one run in six of the Rangers’ last seven road games.
Corey Seager has recorded at least one hit in each of his eight previous appearances at PNC Park against NL Central opponents that held a losing record.
Joc Pederson has hit a home run in two of his last three appearances against the Pirates at PNC Park.
Joc Pederson has recorded at least one RBI in each of his last four road appearances against the Pirates.
Marcus Semien has recorded a Double in three of the Rangers’ last four day games against opponents that held a losing record.

Rangers vs Pirates Prediction 
Texas comes into this matchup looking to complete the series sweep with a win, but they haven’t been great on the road this year. The Rangers are just 15-23 on the road, while the Pirates are 19-21 at home. Pittsburgh has lost six of their last seven games and they are the lowest scoring team in the MLB. The Pirates are starting Falter, who has allowed 3, 1, and 4 earned runs in his last three starts. The Rangers are going with Leiter, who has allowed 10 earned runs and 13 hits in his last 9.2 innings. The Pittsburgh offense is never easy to back, but I am going to fade Leiter here. Take the Pirates to win. 

David Racey's Pick: Pirates ML