The series opener between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Milwaukee Brewers on April 24, 2026, is a heavyweight clash of power right-handers at American Family Field. This matchup serves as a battle for divisional momentum, featuring the Pirates’ generational phenom, Paul Skenes, and the Brewers’ veteran ace, Brandon Woodruff, who has successfully reclaimed his spot at the top of the rotation following a long road back from shoulder surgery.
The Pitching Breakdown
Paul Skenes (PIT): Skenes has lived up to the massive hype in the early stages of 2026. Entering this start with a 3-1 record and a 3.27 ERA, the 23-year-old remains a nightmare for opposing hitters. His triple-digit heater is averaging 100.2 mph, and his “splinker” has induced a staggering 36% whiff rate this month. Through 22.0 innings, he has racked up 23 strikeouts, showing improved efficiency in pitch count management. Skenes is coming off a dominant performance against the Cardinals, and while he has historically struggled slightly at Milwaukee (3.86 career ERA), his current form suggests he is a much more polished version of the pitcher who debuted a year ago.
Brandon Woodruff (MIL): Woodruff’s return to the Brewers has been the story of the spring in Milwaukee. After missing the 2024 season and the first half of 2025, “Big Woo” finally looks like his All-Star self again. He enters with a 2-0 record and a 3.42 ERA, bolstered by a brilliant seven-inning, one-run gem in his last start against Miami. Woodruff’s command is surgical; he has only walked five batters in 21.0 innings this season. His primary weapon remains the high-velocity sinker-slider combination, which has successfully neutralized right-handed power hitters throughout April.
Strategic Best Bets
1. Milwaukee Brewers Moneyline (-118) While Skenes is the flashier name, the Brewers hold a significant situational advantage. Milwaukee is currently playing exceptionally well at home (13-11 overall), and Brandon Woodruff is in a rhythm that makes the Brewers nearly unbeatable at American Family Field. Additionally, the Brewers’ bullpen depth is superior to Pittsburgh’s, providing a much safer net if the starters exit after the 6th inning. With the home crowd behind him, back the veteran Woodruff to out-duel the young phenom.
2. Under 7.5 Total Runs (-115) This is a classic “aces’ duel” profile. Skenes and Woodruff both specialize in missing bats and inducing weak contact. Skenes has surrendered only two home runs this season, while Woodruff has lowered his ERA in every start this month. In a park that can play small, expect both pitchers to stay focused on the bottom of the zone. A 3-2 or 4-1 final score is highly probable, making the Under the sharpest play on the total.
3. Paul Skenes Over 6.5 Strikeouts (-120) The Brewers’ lineup, while scrappy, currently carries a high strikeout rate against high-velocity right-handers. Skenes has cleared the 6-strikeout mark in every start this season. Even if the Pirates lose the game, Skenes’ pure “stuff” is likely to overpower the middle of the Milwaukee order at least seven times before he hits his pitch limit.
Baseball Best Bets 