Game Overview
The Pirates (51–68) travel to American Family Field to take on the surging Brewers (73–44) on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. First pitch is set for 7:40 PM ET. Milwaukee is firing on all cylinders, riding a nine-game win streak and leading the NL Central, while Pittsburgh is trying to hang tough and ride rookie ace Paul Skenes. If you’re looking to stay sharp on betting angles, you’ll want to dive into all our expert previews down at our MLB page.
Team Analysis
Milwaukee arrives with consistent production from their offense and elite execution on the mound. Christian Yelich provides leadership and timely power, while rookie Isaac Collins adds fresh spark and speed. The Brewers have quietly become one of the toughest home teams in the league.
Pittsburgh leans heavily on their standout, Paul Skenes — a generational talent who boasts a sub‑2.00 ERA. Offensively, the Pirates rely on scouting‑report hitters like Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds. But if Skenes doesn’t get early support, even his brilliance may not be enough.
Pitching Matchup
| Team | Starter | Record / ERA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirates | Paul Skenes (RHP) | 7–8, 1.94 ERA | A confident ace with elite stuff and strikeout rate—his performance is matchup‑defining. si.com+11brewcrewball.com+11mlb.com+11espn.com+2mlb.com+2 |
| Brewers | Freddy Peralta (RHP) | 13–5, 3.03 ERA | Milwaukee’s workhorse—high K upside and coming off a strong stretch. brewcrewball.comdocsports.comespn.com |
Assessment: This is a true showdown—Skenes brings ceiling and dominance, but Peralta’s steadiness and Milwaukee’s home-field comfort give the Brewers a slight edge in my book. The big question: can Pittsburgh’s offense deliver enough against a top-heavy Milwaukee bullpen?
Recent Form & Critical Factors
Milwaukee’s nine-game winning streak speaks to their total-game execution—pitching, defense, and timely hitting all click. Pittsburgh’s peaks come courtesy of Skenes and flashes of power, but they haven’t been consistent enough to lean on. American Family Field’s dimensions favor run-suppression and quality pitching, tilting the edge further toward the home team.
Best Bets & Prediction
- Brewers Moneyline — Peralta’s form, home split, and lineup depth collectively give a lean here.
- Under 8 Runs — Two elite arms and Milwaukee’s bullpen depth suggest a controlled, low-scoring matchup.
- First Five Innings – Under — Early dominance from both starters likely keeps the game tight through five.
Final Score Prediction:
Brewers 4 – Pirates 2. Peralta grinds through six, Leadoff onslaughts from KC get them ahead, and the bullpen seals the deal.
