Cincinnati Reds vs
Pittsburgh PiratesPredictions & Preview

Struggling Pittsburgh Pirates Face Playoff Miss as Reds Fight to Stay in the Mix

The Pittsburgh Pirates, struggling at 59-67 and sitting at the bottom of the NL Central, are facing another playoff miss in what has been a disappointing season. Despite a strong start highlighted by Paul Skenes' debut, the team has faltered recently, losing three of their last four games and enduring a rough stretch with a 10-game losing streak. With a mediocre pitching staff and an offense ranked 24th in runs scored, the Pirates have struggled to compete in the weak NL Central. On the other hand, the Cincinnati Reds are fighting to stay in the mix, just a half-game out of second place with a 62-65 record. Despite losing four of their last six games, the Reds had a thrilling comeback victory against the Blue Jays, rallying from a six-run deficit to secure a win. Nick Lodolo (ERA: 4.55) will start for the Reds, while Paul Skenes (ERA: 2.3) will take the mound for the Pirates. Pittsburgh opens as the betting favorite at -150, with the current line at Pittsburgh -139.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Reds +126 | Pirates -139
• Spread: Reds +1.5 (-175) | Pirates -1.5 (+153)
• Total: Over/Under 7.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Pittsburgh will win straight-up is 58%.

Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh Stats

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds mounted an impressive comeback to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 11-7, with key contributions from players like Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte, and Elly De La Cruz. The Reds secured the series victory with this win. Despite falling behind by six runs early on, Cincinnati's offense exploded in the later innings, led by Steer's two-run home run. The team's strong offensive and defensive performance has helped them maintain a power ranking of 22, with notable averages of 4.40 runs scored and 4.20 runs allowed per game. Currently holding a record of 62-65, the Reds are showing potential to make a push for the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis

Paul Skenes, a rookie pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, had a remarkable start to the season, earning him a spot as the NL starter for the MLB All-Star Game. However, he has seen a decline in performance in his recent starts, while San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill has emerged as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year. With the Pirates sliding out of playoff contention and Merrill's impressive performance, Skenes now faces a tough challenge in the race for Rookie of the Year. Despite this, Skenes will pitch in the upcoming game against the Reds, as the Pirates look to improve their standing in the league rankings.

Paul Skenes Leads Pirates to Victory with Dominant Pitching Against Struggling Reds

Paul Skenes has been a standout performer for the Pirates this season, boasting an impressive 7-2 record, 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts. His performance has strongly contributed to the Pirates' success this season. On the other hand, the Reds have struggled offensively, ranking below average in key offensive categories. With Skenes' exceptional pitching abilities, the Pirates are in a position to capitalize on their opponent's weaknesses and secure a victory. Given the Reds' difficulties against top-tier pitchers and the Pirates' ability to win low-scoring games, the odds are in the Pirates' favor for this matchup. The home-field advantage at PNC Park further supports the likelihood of a successful outcome for the Pirates.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]