Pirates vs. Yankees: Game 3 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 29, MLB 2024
The final game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees is of more consequence for the Yanks as they look to secure the best American League record. After two solid victories in the Bronx, the Pirates will look to continue their road streak and end the season on a high.
Pirates vs. Yankees recent form and records
The Pirates' wins have pushed them above the Cincinnati Reds in fourth place in the NL Central standings. Pittsburgh has an 8-5 record against Cincinnati in the regular season and can avoid a last-place finish with a win.
The Yanks are 1.0 game ahead of the Cleveland Guardians in the American League standings after having clinched the AL East. Having the best record in the league is essential as it gives home-field advantage until the World Series.
This was the second consecutive series loss for New York after losing the previous one against the Baltimore Orioles.
Players to Watch
Starting Pitchers
Bailey Falter (8-9, 4.26 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 97 SO) vs. Clarke Schmidt (5-5, 2.55 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 88 SO)
After a 6.53 ERA in September, Falter has pitched a considerably better September with a 3.52 ERA in four starts.
Last Start: vs. Brewers, 5.0 innings pitched, 5 hits, 4 earned runs, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts
Career vs. Yankees: first appearance
Clarke Schmidt's return in September has been equally good as the 2.52 ERA he was sporting when he got injured in May.
Last Start: vs. Orioles, 5.1 innings, 4 hits, 3 earned runs, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts
Career vs. Pirates: first appearance
Must-Watch Hitters
Pirates
Nick Gonzales is hitting at .324 over the last 10 games with six extra-base hits. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has 26 hits in 24 games in September.
Yankees
Juan Soto has 10 hits in his last 10 games with a .288 batting average for the season. Aaron Judge, the Yankees captain, is coming off a five-strikeout game on Saturday.
Pirates vs. Yankees odds
Pirates vs. Yankees expert picks and prediction
The Yanks are the favorites to avoid a series sweep at the hands of the lower-ranked Pirates. Clarke Schmidt will look to solidify his name as one of the starters for New York during the postseason with a win on Sunday. The Pirates, meanwhile, will look to end on a high and have a better performance than their .235 collective batting average in 2024.
Runline: Under 1.5
Total Runs: Under 8.5
Prediction: Yankees 4, Pirates 2