Two of MLB’s lowest-scoring teams face off Friday night when the Pirates host the White Sox at PNC Park. Both clubs are buried in the standings, but the matchup offers a strong betting angle ahead of the July 18, 2025 slate.
White Sox vs. Pirates Odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook)
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Run Line: White Sox +1.5 (-160) | Pirates -1.5 (+132)
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ML: White Sox (+138) | Pirates (-164)
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Total: Over 8.5 (-102) | Under 8.5 (-120)
Probable Pitchers
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White Sox: Jonathan Cannon (3–7, 4.44 ERA)
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Pirates: Bailey Falter (6–4, 3.79 ERA)
Cannon enters with a shaky 6.14 ERA across his last five starts but showed some promise against Cleveland in his last outing, allowing two runs over five innings. Falter has been Pittsburgh’s most consistent arm, ranking 37th in MLB in ERA (3.79) and 31st in WHIP (1.20).
The Pirates continue to struggle offensively, averaging just 3.3 runs per game—the worst mark in MLB. Meanwhile, the White Sox have a -98 run differential and continue to rank near the bottom in batting average, slugging, and WHIP allowed.
White Sox vs. Pirates Prediction and Best Bet
With two below-average offenses and two pitchers capable of limiting hard contact, this matchup profiles as a strong candidate for a low-scoring game.
Both teams have leaned Under this year:
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Pirates: 38-54-3 to the Under
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White Sox: 38-49-6 to the Under
Expect a cautious post-break opener with few extra-base hits and limited run production.
✅ Pick: Under 8.5 runs (−120 at FanDuel)