Pittsburgh Pirates vs. San Diego Padres Prediction: Can Quinn Priester Bounce Back Tonight?

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. San Diego Padres Prediction: Can Quinn Priester Bounce Back Tonight?

It took him a while to settle in, but Yu Darvish is finally in mid-season form. In his three July starts, Darvish has allowed only four runs. He’s racked up more strikeouts than innings pitched. Not only has Darvish dominated in the month of July, but he’s also faced three quality lineups in Toronto, Philadelphia and the New York Mets. Tonight, Darvish faces an inferior offense, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Will the Padres’ veteran stay hot against the struggling Pirates?

Pirates vs. Padres Date, Time and Where to Watch

• Date: July 24, 2023
• Time: 9:40 pm ET
• Where to Watch: MLBTV

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. San Diego Padres Prediction

It’s not a “hot take” to predict another gem from Darvish against the Pirates tonight. The Padres are (-275) on the moneyline; not only are they unbetable, but it’s also clear oddsmakers are expecting a Darvish masterclass. If you want a hot take, I don’t think he’ll be the only starting pitcher earning a quality start in the first game of this series…

Quinn Priester made his major league debut last week, allowing seven earned runs in 5.1 innings. It wasn’t an ideal debut, but we know how common it is for prospects to flop in their debut. There’s a reason Quinn Priester is the top-ranked pitching prospect in the Pirates’ organization. This kid can pitch. Yes, Priester got roughed up in his debut, but he forced twelve ground balls. He has four legitimate pitches that he has the confidence to throw at any point in an at-bat, and his two-seamer is legit. Expect Priester to utilize his two-seamer, and force plenty of ground balls tonight. 

I’m willing to bet that Priester surprises some people tonight, making up for his horrid MLB debut with a quality start in San Diego. We already know Darvish is going to deal tonight; he’s pitching his best and has dominated this entire Pirates lineup in years past. The only Pirates hitters who own more than one career base hit against Darvish are Andrew McCutchen and Carlos Santana. They’ve faced him a combined thirty-three times, with only six hits. Fade this lineup against Darvish while he’s at his best.

The total in this game opened at 8.5, and the juice on the under has slowly grown throughout the day. Bet the under before it drops to 8. Don’t be surprised if both starting pitchers leave this game with a quality start under their belt. 

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. San Diego Padres Pick

• PICK: PIT/SD u8.5 (-115) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds