The Memorial Day matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 26, 2025, features two National League teams searching for stability and momentum as they approach the midseason mark with vastly different expectations. The Pirates enter the game at 19–35, languishing near the bottom of the NL Central but showing small signs of life after winning three of their last five games and covering the run line in those outings. Their season has been plagued by inconsistent offense and a shaky bullpen, but the emergence of Oneil Cruz as a legitimate power threat—slugging 11 home runs with 27 RBIs—has given Pittsburgh fans something to cheer for. Bryan Reynolds, expected to return from injury, adds another layer of talent to a lineup that otherwise lacks firepower, and his presence could prove crucial as the Pirates try to manufacture runs against an Arizona team that has been reeling. The Diamondbacks, now 26–27, have dropped five straight and are struggling to maintain traction in a competitive NL West despite showing strong offensive numbers in recent weeks. They’ve averaged 5.3 runs per game over their last ten contests, but that production hasn’t translated to wins due to a pitching staff that has posted a troubling 4.80 ERA during the same stretch, frequently letting leads slip away late.

Corbin Carroll has been a bright spot, hitting .284 with 14 home runs and 31 RBIs, while Eugenio Suárez has added 13 home runs and continues to be a middle-of-the-order presence. Still, the bullpen remains a key weakness, as Arizona has lost multiple games it was leading after the sixth inning, placing extra pressure on the starters to go deep into games and minimize reliance on relief arms. The betting market favors Arizona at -186 on the moneyline with an over/under of 9 runs, signaling that oddsmakers see a potential for offensive fireworks in this matchup between flawed pitching staffs. For Pittsburgh, the strategy will revolve around keeping the game close through solid starting pitching and hoping Cruz, Reynolds, or another hot bat can deliver in the clutch. For Arizona, a strong start on the mound paired with early offense is essential to relieve the burden on a bullpen that has yet to inspire much confidence. Both teams come into this game with reason to be desperate—Arizona to stop the bleeding and climb back over .500, and Pittsburgh to continue building confidence in a season that has largely been defined by frustration. With two inconsistent teams and a pair of lineups capable of putting up runs in bunches, this game could tilt in either direction depending on which side’s pitching holds up and who capitalizes on scoring chances late. It may not be a marquee matchup on paper, but the competitive urgency and streaky tendencies of both clubs could result in one of the more unpredictable and entertaining contests of the day.