Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and predictions |
SPORTSBOOKWIRE
The Cincinnati Reds (79-75) welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates (72-81) to Great American Ball Park Friday. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET.
Season series: Pirates lead 6-4
The Reds are 6-4 over their last 10 games and lost 2 of 3 games vs. the Minnesota Twins to start the week. Cincinnati lost 5-3 Wednesday as a -128 favorite to fall to 37-41 at home this season. The Reds are a half-game back of the Miami Marlins and Chicago Cubs for the final NL Wild Card.
The Pirates are 34-41 on the road and are also 6-4 over their last 10 games. Pittsburgh won 2 of 3 against the Cubs from Tuesday to Thursday, picking up the series finale 8-6 as a +151 underdog.
Pirates at Reds projected startersRHP Luis Ortiz vs. LHP Andrew Abbott Ortiz (4-5, 4.85 ERA) makes his 15th start and 17th appearance. He has a 1.73 WHIP, 5.1 BB/9 and 5.8 K/9 through 78 IP.
Pirates at Reds odds
Pirates at Reds picks and predictionsPredictionReds 6, Pirates 4MoneylinePASS. Given how well the Pirates are playing — they’ve scored 21 runs over their last 2 games — there’s little value on the Reds at -165. However, Cincinnati will have a sizable pitching advantage and probably should be that large of a favorite.Run line/Against the spreadBET REDS -1.5 (+115). The Pirates have been electric at the plate as of late, but they have also given up 6 or more runs in 3 straight games. They have lost 3 of their last 6 games by 2 or more runs. The Reds are an MLB-best 93-61 ATS despite having covered just 1 of their last 5 games. With a pitching advantage in their home park and in a game that could play a big factor in their postseason dreams, combined with the Pirates’ flaws on the mound lately, the Reds have good value to cover. |