In the last of a three-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (2-0) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (2-0) at the Great American Ball Park, Anthony DeSclafani (2-2, 6.27 ERA) and A.J. Burnett (8-18, 4.59 ERA) get the start. The Reds won the last game 5-4 and Cincinnati leads the series 2-0. The game gets underway at 12:35 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 9 and will air on ROOT-PIT and FSN-OH.
DeSclafani takes the mound after pitching 33.0 innings last season, finishing 2-2 with a 6.27 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts. Todd Frazier (.333 ) continued his hot start yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. In his pitching opportunities against the Reds, Burnett is 7-6 with a 3.71 ERA, 112 strikeouts and 41 walks. Josh Harrison (.333 ) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Cincinnati is a small +103 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Reds are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with an MLB-high five steals. Transitioning to the pitching staff, the Reds are second in the NL in walks allowed with just 1.0 per game. The have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, leading the NL with 13.0 strikeouts per game.
They also average just 5.0 hits allowed per game, second-best in the NL.
So far this season, the Reds are 2-0 against the Pirates.
Predictions: SU Winner – CIN, O/U – Over
Notes
The Pirates lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Reds are 1-0. The Pirates are 0-1 in close games this season.
The Reds are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Pirates have a record of 0-2 when they are struck out that many times or more.
It looks like the Reds have a slight leg up on the Pirates, as the Reds have won their last two games while the Pirates have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Pirates are 0-1. The Reds have a 1-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 17th in runs, Pittsburgh has earned six this season. Cincinnati ranks 11th with 10 runs.
Ranking 16th, Cincinnati is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching six this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at ninth with eight.
The Reds are 2-0 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Pirates are 0-1 when they hit at least one homer.
