Red Sox vs. Pirates prediction: Why Pittsburgh is favored to win Sunday's MLB matchup [8/16/2026]

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Written by Dave Garofolo

Get Boston Red Sox vs Pittsburgh Pirates predictions for MLB Sunday.

Boston Red Sox-Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions and Game Preview.
Boston Red Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates MLB prediction for Sunday, August 16, 2026.

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston redsox will lock horns in MLB action at PNC Park on Sunday, starting at 1:35 PM ET.

The Pirates will send Lake Bachar (1-2, 3.98 ERA) to the mound, up against Patrick Sandoval (1-1, 3.30 ERA) for the Red Sox.

Dimers' proven MLB model gives the Pirates a slight edge with a 52.1% win probability over the Red Sox.

This article offers a complete Red Sox vs. Pirates prediction, including best bets and picks.

Red Sox vs. Pirates prediction: Who will win and cover?

Using innovative machine learning and data, we have simulated the outcome of Sunday's MLB game between the Red Sox and Pirates, forming part of our MLB predictions coverage.

Our famous predictive model gives the Pirates a 52.1% chance of beating the Red Sox.

According to our model, the Pirates (+1.5) have a 64.2% chance of covering the run line, while the 8.5-run over/under has a 50.0% chance of staying under,.

 

Red Sox vs. Pirates odds [8/16/2026]

We have sourced the best MLB odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

  • Run Line: Red Sox -1.5 (+150) / Pirates +1.5 (-150)
  • Moneyline: Red Sox -111, Pirates +113

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Red Sox vs. Pirates picks and best bet

After matching our probabilities against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

  • Run line: Pirates +1.5 @ -150 via DraftKings
  • Moneyline: Pirates @ +113 via Polymarket
  • Total: Over 8.5 @ +108 via Polymarket

According to our MLB best bets, the top play to make on this game is Pirates to win.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.

 

Red Sox vs. Pirates game-day updates and essential details

Sunday's MLB game between the Pirates and Red Sox at PNC Park is scheduled to start at 1:35 PM ET.

Conclusion

We predict the Pirates, with a 52.1% win probability, will likely beat the Red Sox in Sunday's MLB matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

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Written by
Dave Garofolo
Content Producer

Dave Garofolo uses sophisticated AI-driven analytics to make predictions and evaluate player performances in the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAAM, and PGA TOUR tournaments, crafting insightful game and prop previews.

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