Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 6, 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday at 2:10 PM ET at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pittsburgh is 57-58 and sits third in the NL Central, 14 games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Pirates have split the first two games of this series and are 2-3 over their last five contests after Tuesday's 4-2 loss. Milwaukee is 70-43 and leads the NL Central by 5.5 games over the Chicago Cubs. The Brewers have won three of their last five games and will look for another victory at home. Cash in a winner with our free MLB picks.

Pittsburgh Pirates Trying to Stay in the Division Race

Pittsburgh has been one of the National League's top offensive clubs, batting .257 while scoring 584 runs with 1,027 hits, 141 home runs, a .334 on-base percentage, and a .414 slugging percentage. Brandon Lowe leads the Pirates with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs, while Nick Gonzales is batting .306 with 127 hits. Bryan Reynolds has contributed 15 home runs with a .379 on-base percentage, Jake Mangum is hitting .302, and Spencer Horwitz has added 10 home runs. Pittsburgh continues to generate consistent production throughout its lineup despite several key injuries.

The Pirates have posted a 4.30 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP while limiting opponents to a .241 batting average. Pittsburgh's pitching staff has recorded 1,067 strikeouts and has generally kept the club competitive throughout the season. The Pirates have allowed only seven total runs through the first two games of this series and will look for another solid effort from the staff in the finale.

Injuries: Evan Sisk (15-Day IL), Chris Devenski (60-Day IL), Oneil Cruz (60-Day IL), Konnor Griffin (60-Day IL), Ryan O'Hearn (10-Day IL).

Milwaukee Brewers Looking to Extend Their Division Lead

Milwaukee is batting .254 while scoring 562 runs with 970 hits, 103 home runs, a .337 on-base percentage, and a .398 slugging percentage. Brice Turang leads the Brewers with 69 RBIs while batting .268, Jake Bauers has hit a team-high 20 home runs with a .375 on-base percentage, and Jackson Chourio is batting .280 with 14 home runs. William Contreras has added a .270 batting average, while Garrett Mitchell has contributed 49 RBIs. Milwaukee continues to receive balanced production throughout one of the National League's deepest lineups.

The Brewers own one of baseball's best pitching staffs, posting a 3.47 ERA and an outstanding 1.16 WHIP while holding opponents to a .219 batting average. Milwaukee has recorded 1,105 strikeouts, the highest total in the majors, and continues to rely on outstanding pitching depth to maintain its lead in the NL Central.

Injuries: Kyle Harrison (15-Day IL), Jake Bauers (Day-To-Day), Rob Zastryzny (60-Day IL), Joel Kuhnel (15-Day IL), Sal Frelick (10-Day IL).

Pitching Matchup

Pittsburgh Pirates – Braxton Ashcraft

Ashcraft is 11-4 with a 3.96 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 127.1 innings. He has allowed 117 hits while striking out 140 batters, walking only 31, and surrendering 17 home runs. Ashcraft has consistently given Pittsburgh quality innings throughout the season.

Milwaukee Brewers – Dustin May

May is 5-7 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP over 109.0 innings. He has allowed 105 hits while striking out 106 batters and issuing 35 walks. The veteran right-hander continues to provide valuable innings in Milwaukee's rotation.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers Game Pick

• Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee has been one of the most consistent teams in baseball all season and owns clear advantages both offensively and on the mound. The Brewers lead the majors with a 3.47 ERA while holding opponents to a .219 batting average, and they have already won 37 home games this season. Pittsburgh has enough offense to remain competitive, but Milwaukee's pitching depth and home-field advantage make the Brewers the play to win the series finale.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers Over/Under Pick

• Under

Both clubs feature pitching staffs capable of limiting scoring, especially Milwaukee, which owns the lowest ERA in the National League at 3.47. The first two games of this series have produced only 13 combined runs, and both teams have consistently received quality work from their bullpens. With Braxton Ashcraft pitching well throughout the season and Milwaukee continuing to rely on one of baseball's deepest staffs, another lower-scoring outcome makes the under the play.