The May 23, 2025 matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park represents a critical opportunity for both clubs to stabilize their seasons and begin making up ground in a highly competitive National League Central. The Brewers, currently sitting at 24–26, have hit a rough patch after a decent start, going just 3–7 over their last 10 games and seeing their offensive and pitching production trend in the wrong direction. The inconsistency at the plate has been particularly problematic, as the team has struggled to sustain rallies or produce with runners in scoring position, leading to close losses and missed opportunities to gain traction in the division. On the mound, Milwaukee’s once-reliable pitching staff has been shaky, unable to hold slim leads and placing additional stress on the bullpen, which has logged too many innings during this skid. Meanwhile, the Pirates come into this game with a 15–32 record and a season that has been defined by frequent struggles, especially with run prevention and offensive firepower. Pittsburgh has shown small signs of life recently, going 4–6 in their last 10 home games, but remains mired in last place and unable to put together sustained momentum, in large part due to a young and inconsistent roster that lacks both the depth and experience to compete night in and night out against higher-tier teams.

Their pitching has been a consistent weakness, ranking among the league’s worst in ERA, while the offense, despite occasional bursts, has been largely reliant on a few standout players who haven’t been enough to carry the load. From a betting standpoint, the Brewers are 3–7 against the run line in their last 10 and 24–26 overall, while the Pirates are a troubling 15–32 ATS this season—covering just under 32% of the time—which is a reflection of their inability to keep games close even when not favored. The Brewers’ road performance has also been underwhelming, with a 9–16 record away from American Family Field, meaning this game has the potential to be a struggle for both sides if neither team finds a rhythm early. Both managers will be looking to set the tone early—Milwaukee by leaning on quality starting pitching and patient, timely hitting, and Pittsburgh by hoping to exploit the Brewers’ recent vulnerabilities and generate offense early to lift the confidence of a team desperate for a win. In what could be a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair, the key will be who can limit defensive mistakes, get quality innings from their starter, and capitalize on the few scoring chances that arise. The Brewers, with slightly better depth and playoff aspirations, have more pressure to win this game and should be considered slight favorites, but the Pirates have shown they’re capable of playing spoiler—especially at home—if they can get solid pitching and a timely big hit. This game may not have major postseason implications today, but for two teams teetering on the edge of their respective goals, it carries plenty of urgency.