Cincinnati Reds vs
Pittsburgh PiratesPredictions & Preview

Reds and Pirates Set to Clash in Crucial Game Three of Series in Pittsburgh, Reds Look to Bounce Back with Martinez on Mound

In this Reds at Pirates prediction, the Reds and Pirates are set to face off in a critical game three of their series in Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Reds are currently in third place in the NL Central, while the Pirates are in last place and looking to play spoiler. The pitching matchup will feature Nick Martinez for the Reds and an as of yet to be named pitcher for the Pirates. The game is scheduled for 6:40 PM and promises to be an exciting matchup. Stay tuned for more details and increase your chances of winning with our top picks.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Reds -119 | Pirates +104
• Spread: Reds -1.5 (+135) | Pirates +1.5 (-160)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cincinnati will win straight-up is 54%.

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds are still in the playoff race with under two months left in the regular season, despite dropping the series opener on Thursday night. Starter Brady Singer struggled, allowing six hits and four runs in 3.2 innings. The Reds' offense struggled with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-5 and leaving eight runners on base. Gavin Lux had a strong performance despite the loss. The Reds have lost three of their last five games but will look to bounce back with righty Nick Martinez on the mound on Saturday. Martinez has had success this season with nine quality starts and a 4.66 ERA. The Reds have won each of his last five starts. Key injuries to SP Hunter Greene, SP Wade Miley, SP Nick Lodolo, and SP Rhett Lowder are impacting the team.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown resilience despite being out of the playoff chase, winning three out of their last five games. Young ace Paul Skenes delivered a strong performance in Thursday night's 7-0 shutout win against the Reds, with support from Bryan Reynolds and Harold Davis, who both homered. The team, with only four healthy starting pitchers, is expected to rely on a bullpen game on Saturday, with manager Don Kelly indicating such plans. The Pirates will need a team effort to face the Reds' high-powered offense. Key injuries include SP Anthony Solometo, RP Justin Lawrence, and RP Tim Mayza being sidelined. With a team ERA of 3.85 and a WHIP of 1.21, the Pirates aim to continue their competitive streak.

Pirates' Bullpen Faces Tough Challenge Against Reds' Formidable Offense

The Pirates' bullpen has been under increased pressure recently due to the team transitioning to a four-man rotation, with one game dedicated to a bullpen outing. In their upcoming match against the Reds, who have hit 34 more home runs than the Pirates and maintain a 13-point higher batting average, the Pirates will face a formidable offense. Moreover, the Reds have emerged victorious in each of starter Martinez's last five starts. As the Reds remain in contention for a wildcard spot, securing a win against the lesser-performing Pirates is imperative this weekend in order to take the series. The Reds are expected to be highly motivated on Saturday to achieve this goal. Therefore, based on these factors, it is advisable to take the Reds with the money line.

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