Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates MLB Predictions – 09.06.26

Who will win today? Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates MLB Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates will win today because Paul Skenes brings lights out stuff to the mound while the Los Angeles Dodgers are fading following a massive defensive shelling. Expect the Pirates to exploit the pitching mismatch at PNC Park and shut down a weary Dodgers squad.

The Starter Showdown: E. Lauer vs P. Skenes

Paul Skenes has been an absolute force with a 3.09 ERA and a triple-digit heater that keeps hitters guessing. His ability to generate a high Whiff% means he rarely finds himself in high-leverage jams, often overpowering even the most disciplined lineups.

On the other side, Eric Lauer is struggling to find his rhythm, carrying a bloated 5.74 ERA into this contest. With a 1.52 WHIP, Lauer is constantly pitching out of the stretch, which is a dangerous recipe against a Pirates team that loves to play small ball and move runners.

Offensive Trends & Lineup Depth

The Los Angeles Dodgers (42-24) are coming off a brutal 13-5 loss where their pitching staff was completely dismantled. While their Hard-Hit Rate remains elite, the travel fatigue and recent defensive lapses suggest a scoring drought is imminent against top-tier velocity.

The Pittsburgh Pirates (34-32) focus on manufacturing runs and putting pressure on the defense. In the danger zone—those late 7th to 9th innings—the Pirates manager has more reliable chess pieces in the bullpen to lock down a lead compared to a Dodgers pen that was taxed heavily in their last outing.

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Our Final Verdict

With Paul Skenes on the bump, the Pirates have the ultimate equalizer against a high-powered offense. Eric Lauer is simply giving up too much hard contact to keep this game competitive, and the Pirates bullpen will navigate the late innings to ensure the under 8 total holds firm.

Pick to Win: Pittsburgh Pirates

Total Runs (Over/Under): under (Line: 8)