Pirates vs Dodgers Prediction, Picks and MLB Prop Bets, Friday 4/25

If you woke up today wanting both to bet on MLB games and an all-out pitching duel, let’s talk about tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodgers Park.

Paul Skenes and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, two early MLB futures odds favorites for the NL Cy Young Award, will take the mound tonight in what promises to be a barn burner from the start.

With the game set to start at 10:10 PM ET and the Dodgers as overwhelming favorites to win, let’s talk picks and MLB player props today for what should be an epic throwdown between Skenes and Yamamoto.

Pirates vs Dodgers Prediction Today April 25, 2025

My prediction

• Los Angeles Dodgers ML (-205)

There’s a reason why the Pirates, even with Skenes taking the mound tonight, have staggering +178 odds to pull off the upset. Their inconsistency, mostly coming from their pitching staff, has made them an easy target to fade.

Following another series loss against the Chicago Cubs, the Dodgers are eyeing this weekend’s home series against Pittsburgh as a perfect bounce-back scenario. With LA’s offense continuing to play lights out, and Yamamoto dealing like he wants the NL Cy Young this season, the safest MLB game pick here has to be LA’s moneyline.

Bet on Dodgers ML (-205)

• Pirates vs Dodgers Over 7 (EV)

For this MLB matchup, taking the over is not based on the starting pitchers. Skenes and Yamamoto should be able to put on a show in the game’s early innings. But once Pittsburgh’s shaky bullpen takes over, LA’s offense should breeze through and pile up runs.

LA’s bats have done their best work while playing at home this season. With the need for a win and a surprisingly low total set at seven, don’t be shocked if the Dodgers put seven up by themselves.

Bet on Pirates vs Dodgers Over 7 (Ev)

Pirates vs Dodgers Prop Picks and Best Bets

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto Over 7.5 Strikeouts (+100)

If you’ve been keeping up with Yamamoto in his last three starts, you’d probably agree that an MLB prop on strikeouts feels like a no-brainer for tonight.

Dishing 10 Ks against the Texas Rangers in his last start and nine against the Cubs before that, it would be borderline idiotic to believe LA’s ace won’t have a field day against a Pirates lineup currently ranked in the bottom 10 in strikeouts.

While I was tempted to take his O/U in earned runs for tonight, which is another great MLB prop pick to keep an eye on, play it safe, and go with his over in strikeouts.

Bet on Yoshinobu Yamamoto Over 7.5 Strikeouts (+100)

• Team With Most Hits – Dodgers (-150)

LA’s offense has shown that it plays its best ball at the plate when at home. While playing on the road, the Dodgers seem to slow down their hitting pace. However, when playing at Dodger Park, they turn into a monster offense.

Even if Skenes can keep them under control for the first innings, once LA’s offense finds its groove and Pittsburgh’s bullpen takes over, they should be able to rake up hits like crazy.

Bet on Team With Most Hits – Dodgers (-150)

• Pirates vs Dodgers NRFI (-164)

This is one of those MLB picks that needs no lengthy explanation.

You have Skenes and Yamamoto starting, two of the best pitchers in the league, according to MLB news today.

Even if LA’s offense comes in trying to beat the snot out of Pittsburgh, that won’t happen early on. And let’s face it, Pittsburgh has nothing that could remotely shake Yamamoto’s nerves. So don’t be a hero here, take the -164 odds for no runs in the first inning.

Bet on Score in First Inning – NO (-164)

Pirates vs Dodgers How to Watch

• Game: Pirates (10-16) vs Dodgers (16-9)
• Date/Time: Friday, April 25, 10:10 p.m. ET
• Location: Dodgers Park, Los Angeles, CA
• Pirates vs Dodgers Live Stream: MLB.TV

Click here for Pirates vs Dodgers betting trends.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets