Texas Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction: Can the Pirates Get to Dane Dunning?
Texas Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates prediction and pick for Monday's opening game of the series between the two sides. Dan Dunning is in the middle of a career year, but can he keep it up? Krabs gives us his best bet for this matchup.
Krabs - May 22, 2023, 3:11 PM EDT
3 minTexas Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction: Can the Pirates Get to Dane Dunning?
Dane Dunning had nearly a 5.00 ERA in 2021 and 2022. He was so ineffective, that they moved him to the bullpen in 2023. This move completely rejuvenated the 28-year-old’s career. Dunning carried a 1.77 ERA in his first seven appearances in 2023 before getting pulled back into the rotation. In his three most recent starts, Dunning hasn’t skipped a beat, giving up only three runs in 17 innings of work. If Dane Dunning has been pitching this well, why is he barely a favorite tonight against one of the coldest offenses in the league? Something seems fishy…
Rangers vs. Pirates Date, Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Monday, May 22, 2023
- Time: 6:35 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLBTV
Texas Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction
After an incredible start to the season, the Pirates have come back down to Earth over the past few weeks. Pittsburgh has only won two of their previous ten games, barely staying above .500 for the season. Tonight their young righty Luis Ortiz takes the mound after getting rocked in Detroit for seven hits and four runs. Again, why are the Pirates barely an underdog here?
Oddsmakers seem to be expecting a Dane Dunning blow-up start here. With the total up to 9 from the 8.5 open, this is an interesting move considering how poorly the Pirates' offense has recently performed. With Texas opening up barely a favorite in this spot, it’s not like the oddsmakers are expecting this to be a blowout. The runs must be coming from Pittsburgh with the increasing total.
This wager isn’t for the faint of heart. Backing the Pirates during their cold spell isn’t ideal, but they are without a doubt the ride side tonight. Less than 15% of the handle is currently backing the Pirates to win tonight, a great sign for PIT backers.
The Rangers, along with Dane Dunning, have been on fire to start the season. Both the Rangers’ offense and Dunning are due for regression. Texas’ righty has improved immensely in 2023, but his torrid stretch is simply unsustainable. This is a perfect spot to grab the lowly Pirates at plus money on their home field against the red-hot Rangers.
Winners of seven of their past ten and on their best stretch of this young season, fade the Rangers and back Luis Ortiz to do just enough. Ortiz’s earned runs prop is set at 2.5 after allowing nine runs combined in his first two starts. This is an overreaction though; four of those nine runs were unearned. Back Pittsburgh to end the Rangers’ three-game win streak at plus money tonight.
Texas Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Pick
- PICK: Pittsburgh Pirates ML (+120) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
MLB Odds
