Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh Pro Baseball Preview and Pick

It usually takes a couple of months for every team to settle into the new season, and for the divisions to start to take shape. There are some exceptions, though, and at the top of that list would be the NL Central. We all expected that this would be a 3-horse race between the Cubs, Cardinals, and Pirates, and it is already starting to look that way. They have opened up a bit of a gap over the Reds and the Brewers, and the gulf may get a little wider over the next days, as the Reds head to Pittsburgh for a 3-game series versus the Pirates. The Reds are already 7 games off the blistering pace being set by the Cubs at the top of the division, and they are 4 back of the Pirates in second. You don’t like to hit the panic button this early in the season, but if the Reds can’t get a decent winning streak going, they are going to fall a long way off the pace. You can follow the MLB betting odds of this weekend series at MyBookie.ag.

How To Bet The Reds vs Pirates MLB Odds, TV & Game Info

When: Friday, April 29 at 7:05 PM EST Where: PNC Park, Pittsburgh Starting Pitchers: Reds: Dan Straily (0-0) vs Pirates: Juan Nicasio (2-2) TV: FS-O, ROOT Sports Radio: Reds and Pirates Live Stream: FoxSportsGo MLB Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Cincinnati Reds

The Reds (9-13) actually made a very promising start to the season, going 5-1 through their first 6 games. That little run included a series win over the Pirates at home, but the end of that series was when things started to go in the opposite direction for Cincinnati. They have only managed 1 series win in their last 5 attempts, and have been particularly miserable on the road, where they are just 1-8 overall. The Reds are just 37 in their last 10 games, and they have seen their run differential slip to a rather unpleasant -46. They are on a run that has seen them lose 6 of their last 7 games, and they need to flip that script quickly in order to stay afloat in this division. Dan Straily (0-0, 3.50 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Reds.

Why bet on the Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates (13-9) are going to be good this season, but it has to be said that they are taking some tie to find their feet. There has been a little bit of inconsistency at play for them, and while they are winning right now, they are not doing so in the most convincing fashion. Yes, this team can light things up offensively, but they are not getting the pitching they need right now. Too many of their games are going the 12-10, 9-8 type of route, and that is usually a style that catches up with you. That said, the Pirates are winners of 4 straight, and they have a positive winning record at home. Francisco Liriano (1-1, 4.64 ERA) will start for Pittsburgh.

My Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

This is a series that the Pirates should win, especially given the Reds awful road record. Things could stay close, though, if Pittsburgh continues to struggle defensively. I think they will win this one, and be sure to take a look at the OVER, too. Cincinnati Reds 4 Pittsburgh Pirates 6