The Pittsburgh Pirates will be heading to the Great American Ball Park to face the Cincinnati Reds in an NL Central matchup. The Pirates, led by Manager Don Kelly, currently hold a record of 67-89 and are ranked 5th in their division. Despite a challenging season, they come into this game on a two-game winning streak after defeating the Athletics in their last two contests.
The Cincinnati Reds, managed by Terry Francona, are having a stronger season with an 80-76 record and are positioned 3rd in the NL Central. The Reds have been performing well lately, winning their last five games, including a close 1-0 victory against the Chicago Cubs. They will be looking to continue their positive momentum in front of their home fans.
With a forecast of light rain, the game is set to begin at 6:40 PM under the lights at the outdoor field. Fans can catch the action on SN PT as the Pirates aim to maintain their recent winning streak, while the Reds strive to keep up their strong performance. The Reds are favored with a -155 moneyline, while the Pirates are at +131.
Reds vs Pirates At a Glance
- Stadium: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, OH is the venue for tonight’s game.
- Weather: Expect light rain at game time with mild temperatures.
- Records: The Pittsburgh Pirates have a record of 67-89 while the Cincinnati Reds stand at 80-76.
- Game Odds: The Reds are favored with a moneyline of -155, whereas the Pirates sit at +131.
- Division Standings: The Reds are 3rd in the NL Central, while the Pirates are 5th.
- Broadcast: Catch the game live on SN PT at 6:40 PM.
Reds Ready to Keep Rolling Against Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates: Team Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter this matchup with the Cincinnati Reds, hoping to build on their recent victories. They managed to snap a five-game losing streak with back-to-back wins against the Athletics, including an impressive 11-0 triumph. Despite the recent struggles, the Pirates will aim to maintain the momentum as they take on the Reds.
Offensively, the Pirates have shown resilience, but consistency remains an issue. With a batting average of .245, they rank 14th in the league, mirroring their on-base percentage. Their slugging percentage stands at .392, placing them 19th, while they’ve hit 161 home runs this season, ranking 18th.
Key Players to Watch
Johan Oviedo takes the mound for the Pirates with a solid 3.52 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP, holding an unbeaten 2-0 record. Oviedo’s ability to keep the Reds’ hitters at bay will be crucial for Pittsburgh’s chances in this series opener. His performance could set the tone for the rest of the series.
Offensively, the Pirates will look to their lineup to generate runs against Cincinnati’s pitching. With 243 doubles this season, ranking 16th, they possess the ability to put themselves in scoring positions. The Pirates need key contributions from their hitters to challenge Brady Singer and the Reds’ bullpen.
Challenges and Opportunities
One of the Pirates’ challenges this season has been their inability to close games effectively, with 22 blown saves ranking them 5th in the league. Improving late-game execution will be vital if they hope to compete against a determined Reds team.
However, Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has been commendable, especially in delivering quality starts. With 67 quality starts, they are 4th in the league, which could be a deciding factor in containing the Reds’ offense. The Pirates’ defense against stolen bases will also be tested, given Cincinnati’s aggressive base running.
Team Betting Trends
- SU in Away Games: 36-42 (46.2%)
- Runline in Away Games: 40-38 (51.3%)
- O/U in Away Games: 32-46 (41.0%)
- Runline After a Win: 45-35 (56.2%)
- O/U After a Win: 30-50 (37.5%)
Pirates Set Sail for Victory: A Preview of Their Upcoming Game
Team Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Reds with a regular season record of 67-89. Despite their struggles this season, the Pirates have shown promise with recent performances, securing an 11-0 win against the Oakland Athletics. Their pitching staff has been a key strength, ranking 7th in the league with a 3.82 ERA.
Offensively, the Pirates have had challenges, ranking 22nd in batting average at .231. Their on-base percentage is slightly better, standing at .305 and ranked 19th in the league. As they prepare for their game against the Reds, consistency will be crucial for their batting lineup.
Key Players to Watch
Jared Triolo has been a standout player for the Pirates, recently going 4-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs against the Athletics. His performance will be pivotal as the Pirates aim to build momentum in their final games of the season. Another key player is Joey Bart, who also shone with four hits and a home run in the same game.
Andrew McCutchen, the seasoned veteran, continues to be a central figure for the Pirates. With a batting average of .240 and 13 home runs, his experience and leadership are invaluable to the team. McCutchen has expressed uncertainty about his future with the Pirates, adding an emotional element to his performances.
Pitching Prospects
The Pirates will be starting Johan Oviedo, who has been solid this season with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Oviedo’s recent performances have been promising, and he will look to continue his strong form against the Reds. He is up against Brady Singer of the Reds, who has a 3.86 ERA and 14-10 record.
Hunter Barco, the Pirates’ No. 4 prospect, has been called up and is expected to make his MLB debut. With a 2.81 ERA and 116 strikeouts over 99.1 innings in the minors, Barco’s addition to the roster is highly anticipated. His fastball and slider will be key components of his pitching arsenal.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Runline Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU as Underdog: 44-66 (40.0%)
- Runline as Underdog: 63-47 (57.3%)
- O/U in Away Games: 27-48 (36.0%)
Conclusion
The Pirates face a challenging game against the Cincinnati Reds, but with key players like Jared Triolo and Andrew McCutchen stepping up, they have the potential to end the season on a high note. Johan Oviedo’s performance on the mound will be critical in setting the tone for the game. As they look to build momentum, the debut of Hunter Barco adds excitement and potential to the Pirates’ roster.
Reds vs Pirates Prediction: Reds -155
The Cincinnati Reds enter this game with momentum, having won five straight and tying with the Mets for the last playoff spot. Their recent performance is impressive, especially the sweep against the Cubs, which suggests they are in a strong position to continue their streak. With a home record of 44-34, the Reds have shown they can handle the pressure on their home turf.
Brady Singer, with a 14-10 record and a 3.86 ERA, will be on the mound for the Reds, providing a solid pitching advantage over Johan Oviedo of the Pirates. Although Oviedo has an impressive 3.52 ERA, his experience and recent performance don’t match up to Singer’s impact and consistency this season. This is crucial as the Reds aim to solidify their postseason chances.
The Pirates, despite their two-game winning streak, have struggled on the road with a 23-52 record. Their recent 11-0 win against the Athletics might boost their confidence, but facing a playoff-contending Reds team at Great American Ball Park presents a formidable challenge. The Pirates’ season-long road struggles weigh heavily against them in this matchup.
Given the Reds’ current form, their home advantage, and the superior pitching matchup, backing Cincinnati at -155 appears to be the prudent choice. A predicted score of Reds 5 – Pirates 3 reflects these dynamics in play.
- Reds vs Pirates Prediction: Reds -155
- Reds vs Pirates Score: Reds 5 – Pirates 3
