Reds vs. Pirates Pick
Can the Pittsburgh Pirates avoid a second straight loss when they host the Cincinnati Reds today at 7:05PM ET?
GAME SNAPSHOT
(957) Cincinnati Reds at (958) Pittsburgh Pirates
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Location: PNC Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 44 degrees, 10mph Winds
Time: 7:05PM ET
CURRENT ODDS
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Pittsburgh is favored in this game, as the Pirates are getting odds of -140 to win against Cincinnati. The Reds are getting a money line of +130 to prevail. The over/under total is currently listed at 8 runs.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup tonight has Homer Bailey on the mound for the Reds to face Steven Brault of the Pirates. Bailey was a hard-luck loser in his season debut against the Nationals. He took the loss despite allowing just one run over six innings with three walks and three strikeouts. Brault earned a win in relief last week against the Tigers. He pitched three scoreless innings and will make his first start of the season today.
Bet on MLB for Thursday, April 5, 2018
PUBLIC BETTING INFORMATION
The public betting for this game is backing Pittsburgh. The Pirates are getting 51 percent of the wagers on this contest as the favorite at home against the Reds.
KEY INJURIES
Pittsburgh shortstop Jordy Mercer is on the injury report for today’s contest due to a finger injury. He sat out the last game and is questionable to play tonight. Scott Schebler is questionable for the Reds due to a sore left elbow. He say out Cincy’s last game as well.
BETTING STRATEGIES
The Pirates won their first four games of the season before suffering a 7-3 loss to the Twins yesterday. Pittsburgh has scored 30 runs in the five games while allowing 27. Josh Bell is hitting .400 to lead the Pirates. He has also driven in five runs. Gregory Polanco is leading the team with six RBI and three doubles.
The Reds are just 1-3 and haven’t played since Monday. They are coming off a 1-0 win over the Cubs after being swept at home by the Nationals. Cincinnati has scored 13 runs over four games while allowing 21. Adam Duvall has driven in five runs to lead the Reds, but is hitting just .154. Scooter Gennett is hitting .471 and has two doubles.
It’s hard to be excited about either team tonight for differing reasons, but I am concerned about Brault getting a spot start. Bailey actually pitched well despite losing to the Nationals and I think he can build on that tonight against the Pirates, who aren’t a great hitting team despite scoring 30 runs. I will take my chances with the underdog, which has a fully rested bullpen ready if Bailey struggles.
MLB PREDICTIONS: CINCINNATI REDS +130
