Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates 4/20/23 – On Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates will look to claim another consecutive series win when they host Cincinnati Reds. This four-game weekend series promises plenty of excitement between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Luke Weaver will start for the Reds; last season he went 1-0 with a 6.56 ERA. Roansy Contreras 1-1 and 6.00 ERA will make their first start against them. Pittsburgh is 8-2 in their last 10 meetings against Cincinnati. The Pittsburgh Pirates are going to win here as per the best MLB betting lines.
Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates
Date & Time: Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 6:35 PM ET
Location: PNC Park Pittsburgh, PA
TV: AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh
Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates 4/20/23 Betting Odds
Reds
Moneyline: +141
Spread: +1.5 (-150)
Total: 8.5 over (-135)
Pirates
Moneyline: -153
Spread: -1.5 (+130)
Total: 8.5 under (+115)
Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis
The Cincinnati Reds have failed to gain ground in the standings over the past week after splitting their last six games, so a win against the Pirates will give them four victories out of seven played thus far. Cincinnati is currently averaging 4.82 runs per game and ranks 18th in batting average with 0.243; their on base percentage sits at 13 while their slugging percentage 0.382 comes in at 21st. Spencer Steer leads the Reds with a 0.320 batting average and Jason Vosler with three homers and 10 RBI. Jake Fraley leads all players with 10 RBI. Cincinnati’s pitching has not been great this season, allowing 5.29 runs per game to opponents while their 5.24 ERA ranks 25th and their 1.60 WHIP 28th. Opponents averaged 0.290 against them which is 30th in the league. Weaver struggled in his last start against the Pirates, giving up seven hits and three runs over six innings. If they want to take home victory in this game, Weaver must put forth more of an effort.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had an outstanding week, winning three out of their past four games and looking forward to adding one more victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday that would give them their fourth victory out of five. Pittsburgh is currently averaging 4.72 runs per game and their 0.246 batting average ranks 15th in the league; their on base percentage stands at 0.325 while their slugging percentage of 0.432 puts them in seventh position. Bryan Reynolds has been the lead bat for the Pirates this season, leading their lineup with a 0.319 batting average, five homers, and 17 RBI. Pittsburgh has had strong pitching performances this season, giving up 4.28 runs per game against opponents with an 0.256 batting average – 21st best among major league clubs – while their 4.15 ERA ranks 12th and 1.43 WHIP ranks 24th respectively. Contreras gave up six hits and two runs over six innings during his previous start against St. Louis, leading them to a 6-3 victory. If they want another successful result they must rely on him.
Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates Against the Spread
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cincinnati’s last 11 games. Cincinnati are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games. Cincinnati are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games against Pittsburgh. Cincinnati are 1-11 SU in their last 12 games on the road. Cincinnati are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 5 games against Cincinnati. The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh’s last 8 games at home. Pittsburgh are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati. Pittsburgh are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against an opponent in the National League.
Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates Free Pick
The Pirates have seen success on offense over their last four games, winning three. MLB betting forums expect them to play well offensively in this matchup as they’ve shown success against right-handed pitchers and Weaver in particular. Due to Cincinnati’s weak bullpen this season, they will likely struggle with slowing Pittsburgh’s potent offense.
Free Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates -1.5 (+130)
