The Pittsburgh Pirates (52-88) and Cincinnati Reds (56-83) continue a 4-game NL Central series with a Tuesday doubleheader. First pitch from Game 1 from Great American Ball Park is slated for 12:35 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Pirates vs. Reds Game 1 odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Cincinnati leads 7-6
The Pirates won Monday’s series opener 6-3. Pittsburgh hit 3 home runs in the game and has hit 8 round-trippers in its last 3 contests. This surge has come from a Bucs offense that owns a .652 OPS on the season (28th MLB).
The Reds have lost 3 outings in a row. Cincinnati did have 9 hits Monday, and it has registered a fine .752 OPS over its last 8 games.
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Pirates at Reds Game 1 projected starters
RHP Johan Oviedo vs. RHP Luis Cessa
Oviedo (2-2, 3.90 ERA) has appeared in 16 games (3 starts). He has a 1.47 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9 and 9.6 K/9 through 30 IP.
- Scuffled in his last start: allowed 4 four runs on 1 hit and 5 walks over 1 2/3 IP against the New York Mets Wednesday
- Three starts against the Reds from 2020-21: allowed 8 ER in 13 IP (5.54 ERA)
Cessa (3-2, 4.97 ERA) has appeared in 41 games, making 6 starts. He owns a 1.33 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 through 54 1/3 IP.
- Has clocked a 3.10 ERA and 0.93 WHIP across his last 20 1/3 IP
- Fanned a season-high 8 batters in his last start Thursday at Chicago Cubs and allowed 2 runs in 5 2/3 IP
Pirates at Reds Game 1 odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Pirates +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Reds -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Pirates +1.5 (-170) | Reds -1.5 (+135)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)
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Pirates at Reds Game 1 picks and predictions
Prediction
Reds 5, Pirates 4
Money line
The home nine has the more rested bullpen, especially at the back end. That Cincy relief corps has been a bunch with expected performances better than their surface numbers for much of the season and they’ve pitched better of late (3.42 ERA last 30 days).
TAKE CINCINNATI (-145).
Run line/Against the spread
The likable home side and likable Under don’t usually mix well on the Run Line. PASS.
Over/Under
Peg the Cincy offense as being a bit too far out over its skis with its surface numbers. Cooled-off temperatures in the weather report work against an outward-blowing hitters’ breeze.
BACK THE UNDER 9.5 (-122).
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