The Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates continue their three-game series at PNC Park on Wednesday afternoon, with both teams looking to build momentum in a tightly contested National League race. After Paul Skenes and the Pirates took Game 1 on Tuesday night 6-3, Atlanta turns to right-hander Grant Holmes to even the series while Pittsburgh sends young righty Jared Jones to the mound in search of a series win.
Pitching Matchup: Grant Holmes vs. Jared Jones
Grant Holmes enters this start with a 5-4 record and a 3.83 ERA across his 2026 campaign. The Braves right-hander has been a stabilizing force in the middle of Atlanta's rotation, posting a 1.35 WHIP with 71 strikeouts over his innings. Holmes has shown the ability to keep hitters off balance with a four-pitch mix, and he'll need to be sharp against a Pirates lineup that hit three home runs in Tuesday night's series opener.
Holmes has been particularly effective against right-handed hitters this season, limiting them to a .228 batting average. The Pirates feature a righty-heavy lineup with Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales doing the heavy lifting, so look for Holmes to lean on his slider and changeup in key spots.
On the other side, Jared Jones takes the ball for Pittsburgh with a 1-1 record and a 5.28 ERA. The numbers don't tell the full story for Jones, who has electric stuff but has battled inconsistency in his young career. His 31 strikeouts in limited innings show the swing-and-miss potential, but command issues have led to elevated pitch counts and early exits.
Jones relies primarily on a mid-to-high 90s fastball paired with a sharp breaking ball. When he's locating, he can be nearly unhittable — but when the command wavers, opposing lineups have made him pay. The Braves lineup, even without some of their biggest names from years past, remains dangerous with Ozzie Albies, Michael Harris II, and Drake Baldwin providing run production.
Lineup Analysis: Who Has the Edge
The Braves offense has been a tale of two halves this season. Atlanta is slashing .248/.314/.413 overall with 116 home runs, good for eighth in the National League in slugging. The Braves have been particularly dangerous against right-handed pitching, posting a .738 OPS in those matchups — a favorable sign going against Jones.
Michael Harris II has been the catalyst at the top of the order, using his speed to create runs and his improved plate discipline to get on base. Ozzie Albies continues to be one of the most productive second basemen in the game, providing both power and run production from the middle infield spot.
The Pirates counter with one of the more balanced lineups in the NL Central. Pittsburgh is slashing .264/.346/.421 against right-handed pitching, good for a .767 OPS that ranks among the better splits in the league. Ryan O'Hearn was the star of Tuesday's game with a three-homer performance, and the Pirates will look to ride that momentum into Wednesday's matinee.
Bryan Reynolds remains the heart of the order, providing consistent production from the middle of the lineup. Nick Gonzales has emerged as a reliable run producer, and the Pirates have shown the ability to score in bunches when their bats are hot — as evidenced by Tuesday's six-run outburst.
Betting Lines and Best Bets
The betting market has the Pirates installed as -122 home favorites, with the Braves coming back at +100 on the moneyline. The total is set at 8.5 runs, reflecting the expectation of a moderately scored game with two capable pitchers on the mound.
The Braves own the best bullpen in baseball with a 3.07 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, giving Atlanta a significant advantage in the late innings. If Holmes can keep the game close through five or six innings, the Braves' bullpen arms should be able to slam the door on a Pirates lineup that could be pressing to match Tuesday's offensive output.
Pittsburgh's bullpen has been much more middling, ranking 22nd in ERA at 4.37 with an elevated 1.39 WHIP. That's a real concern if Jones exits early or labors through the middle innings.
The Verdict: The Braves are too talented to drop two in a row to a middle-of-the-pack Pirates team. Holmes has been more reliable than his 5-4 record indicates, and Atlanta's bullpen advantage is massive. Look for the Braves to even the series.
Pick: Braves +100
Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks covers sports betting and analysis with a focus on form, matchups, team trends, and the factors that shape competitive events.