Sunday’s loaded MLB slate kicks off in Steel City, where the Pittsburgh Pirates will host the Miami Marlins in a Peacock-streamed rubber match at PNC Park. 

The Marlins (35–36, 4th NL East) appear to have turned a corner, winning nine of their last 10 games before Saturday’s 3–2 loss in Pittsburgh. The Pirates (36–35, 4th NL Central) are hoping their latest triumph can spark a similar turnaround, having dropped seven of their last 10 contests. 

Looking at the pitching probables, we’ve got Miami right-hander Max Meyer (6–0, 2.85 ERA) squaring off with Pittsburgh righty Paul Skenes (6–5, 2.84 ERA). 

First pitch is at 12:15 p.m. ET. The Pirates enter as 1.5-run favorites with -163 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Marlins are +135 underdogs, with the game total set at O/U 7.5 runs.

Marlins vs. Pirates Preview

Miami Marlins

South Beach is scalding hot as we head into summer, with the Marlins going an MLB-best 9–2 since the outset of June. With five regulars carrying a one-dot OPS this month — Esteury Ruiz leads the pack with a 1.196 mark in 17 plate appearances — Miami’s formerly pedestrian offense ranks seventh league-wide in wRC+ and ninth in total runs scored since the calendar flipped. 

But wait, there’s more. Even with two key starters, Eury Perez and Janson Junk, on the 15-day injured list, the Marlins’ rotation paces the majors with a microscopic 2.50 ERA this month — more than a full run better than the next-closest mark. 

That pitching brilliance has been thanks in large part to a breakout season from Sunday’s starter, Max Meyer. The 27-year-old right-hander has posted an elite 2.85 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP through 14 starts (79 IP) in 2026. While a 3.87 xERA indicates some considerable batted-ball luck, Meyer is armed with a wicked arsenal of breaking balls and ranks in MLB’s 79th percentile in strikeout rate.  In his last outing, he turned in 5.1 innings of two-run ball on a pair of solo shots against the Diamondbacks.

Pittsburgh Pirates

For the first time in his career, Paul Skenes is getting some run support. Even with key injuries to Konnor Griffin, Oneil Cruz, and Joey Bart — all currently on the 10-day IL — Pittsburgh’s offense has remained productive, ranking ninth in wRC+ since the beginning of June.

But as run production has continued, run prevention has fallen by the wayside. The Pirates are off to a disappointing 4–7 start to the month, all seven losses coming in their last 10 games, fueled by a misfiring pitching staff that owns a swollen 6.49 ERA in June — just ahead of Colorado for the worst mark in the sport. 

Of course, the outlook is far brighter when the reigning National League Cy Young takes the hill. Skenes has continued to shove in Year 3, posting a 2.84 (2.49 xERA) and a 0.93 WHIP through 14 starts (76 IP), while also maintaining one of the most satisfying Baseball Savant profiles around. However, the right-handed fireballer has stumbled of late, sporting a 4.50 ERA in his last five starts, all Pirates losses.

Marlins vs. Pirates Pick, Best Bet

Few teams are playing better baseball this month than the Marlins, who enter Sunday’s rubber match against the Pirates powered by a pitching staff that has operated a cut above the rest of the league since the calendar flipped. Even against the Pittsburgh phenom, Miami offers strong value as a +139 road underdog. 

Best Bet: Miami Marlins Moneyline (+139)