The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to take on the Cincinnati Reds in an afternoon game at Great American Ball Park. The Pirates, managed by Don Kelly, hold a record of 69-89 and are currently on a four-game winning streak. Their recent performance has been consistent, with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games.
The Cincinnati Reds, managed by Terry Francona, are looking to break their two-game losing streak with a season record of 80-78. Despite the recent setbacks, the Reds have performed well at home with a 44-36 record. Currently, they are ranked third in the NL Central Division.
Weather conditions for the game are expected to be mild with light rain, which could affect play. The game will be broadcasted on SN PT, and fans can look forward to another competitive encounter between these NL Central rivals. The Reds are the favorites with a moneyline of -167, while the Pirates are at +141.
Reds vs Pirates At a Glance
- Game Location: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, OH
- Weather Update: Mild day expected with light rain
- Away Team Record: Pittsburgh Pirates hold a 69-89 record, sitting 5th in the NL Central
- Home Team Record: Cincinnati Reds have an 80-78 record, currently 3rd in the NL Central
- Game Odds: Pirates moneyline at +141, Reds moneyline at -167
- Television Broadcast: The game will be aired on SN PT
Reds Ready to Battle: A Preview of Cincinnati’s Next Showdown
Pirates’ Hitting Outlook
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a steady batting season, ranking 12th with a .244 average. They also hold the same rank in on-base percentage at .314, suggesting consistency in getting players on base. Their slugging percentage of .392 places them 18th, indicating a moderate level of power hitting.
Home runs have been a mixed bag for the Pirates, ranking 16th with 164 homers. They’ve managed to hit 244 doubles, positioning them 15th in the league. Their ability to draw walks is evident with 515 on the season, tied for 12th place.
Pirates’ Pitching Strengths
Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has been formidable, featuring a 3.90 ERA, which ranks them 13th in the league. Opposing batters have a .235 average against them, placing the Pirates in 6th place for batting average against. This shows their ability to control the game from the mound.
Quality starts have been a significant advantage for the Pirates, where they rank 4th with 68. Blown saves are minimal, with just 22, ranking them 5th. This indicates reliability and depth in their bullpen.
Star Player: Braxton Ashcraft
Braxton Ashcraft is a key player for the Pirates, entering the game with a 2.62 ERA and a WHIP of 1.19. His win-loss record of 4-3 suggests that while he may not have many decisions, he provides solid outings. Ashcraft’s performance will be crucial for the Pirates in keeping the Reds’ offense in check.
His ability to limit baserunners and maintain low ERAs makes him a valuable asset to the Pirates’ rotation. With Ashcraft on the mound, the Reds will need to capitalize on their opportunities to score.
Team Betting Trends
- SU in Away Games: 36-42 (46.2%)
- Runline as Underdog: 53-34 (60.9%)
- Runline in Away Games: 40-38 (51.3%)
- O/U as Underdog: 38-49 (43.7%)
Set Sail: Pittsburgh Pirates Poised for Another Win Against Reds
Team Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been riding a wave of success recently, capturing four victories in their last five games. This strong form could potentially give them an edge as they prepare to compete against the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates will be looking to extend their winning streak and continue their upward trajectory in the standings.
Despite their recent success, the Pirates have struggled with consistency throughout the season. Their batting average of .231 ranks them 19th in the league, while their on-base percentage of .304 stands at 18th. These statistics suggest that while the Pirates have the potential to score, they often find themselves in difficult situations at the plate.
Key Players
Andrew McCutchen has been a reliable player for the Pirates this season, leading the team with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs. His batting average of .240 and on-base percentage of .335 highlight his ability to get on base and drive in runs. McCutchen’s performance will be crucial for the Pirates as they aim to overcome the Reds.
Spencer Horwitz has also been a standout performer, boasting a batting average of .262 and an on-base percentage of .341. With nine home runs and 47 RBIs, Horwitz adds depth to the Pirates’ lineup. His presence at first base and consistency at the plate make him a key player to watch.
Pitching Matchup
Braxton Ashcraft will take the mound for the Pirates with a solid ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 1.19. With a 4-3 win-loss record, Ashcraft has demonstrated his ability to keep opponents off the scoreboard. His performance will be vital in containing the Reds’ offense and setting the tone for the game.
Opposing him will be Nick Lodolo from the Reds, who holds a 3.44 ERA and a WHIP of 1.08. Lodolo’s 8-8 record suggests he’s been a steady presence on the mound. The Pirates’ hitters will need to capitalize on any mistakes Lodolo makes to secure a win.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5 Games: 4-1 (80.0%)
- Runline Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- Runline Last 5: 5-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 25-52 (32.5%)
These trends indicate the Pirates have been strong against the runline recently, going 5-0 in their last five games. However, their overall away record of 25-52 suggests challenges when playing on the road.
Overall, the Pirates will need to rely on their recent positive momentum, key performances from their leading players, and a solid outing from Ashcraft to secure a victory against the Reds.
Reds vs Pirates Prediction: Under 8.0
Analyzing the pitching matchup, Braxton Ashcraft for the Pirates and Nick Lodolo for the Reds suggest a low-scoring game. Ashcraft’s ERA of 2.62 and Lodolo’s ERA of 3.44 indicate solid pitching performances. Both pitchers have WHIPs under 1.20, which further supports the possibility of limited scoring opportunities.
The recent head-to-head history between these teams leans heavily towards the under. In their last 10 meetings, the under has hit 7 times, emphasizing the trend of low-scoring outcomes. Additionally, the Reds have seen their games go under 58 times in the current season, highlighting their tendency for low-scoring affairs.
The weather conditions at Great American Ball Park also suggest a lower total. With light rain and mild temperatures, the ball may not travel as well, further suppressing the potential for runs. The Reds’ offensive metrics rank in the middle of the pack, while the Pirates are near the bottom, indicating a lack of explosive scoring.
Given the strong pitching, historical trends, and weather conditions, the under seems to be the more favorable play in this matchup. Projecting a final score of Reds 3 – Pirates 2 aligns with this under 8.0 prediction.
- Reds vs Pirates Prediction: Under 8.0
- Reds vs Pirates Score: Reds 3 – Pirates 2
