In the first of a three-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (3-0) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (3-0) at the Great American Ball Park, Alfredo Simon (13-12, 5.05 ERA) and Francisco Liriano (1-0, 0.00 ERA) take the mound. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 8 and will air on FSOH and RTPT.
Simon will take the hill after pitching 187.0 innings last year, wrapping up the season with a 13-12 record, 5.05 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 117 strikeouts. Jay Bruce (.500 ) continued his strong start to the season yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two runs, two home runs, and five RBIs. Liriano went 6.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out 10 and walking five in a 4-1 win over the Cardinals in his most recent start. Andrew McCutchen (.455 ) has been doing well to start the season, going 2 for 4 Wednesday with one run.
The odds for Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Reds are fifth in the league in WHIP at 1.000.
The Pirates are known for their bats, hitting a league-leading zero extra base hits. Moving on to Pittsburgh’s pitching staff, they have a WHIP of 0.931, third best in the MLB.
Predictions: SU Winner – CIN
Notes
The Reds managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Pirates who are coming in with a 2-0 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
Pittsburgh ranks near the bottom of the league at 27th when it comes to home runs, hitting zero this season. Cincinnati ranks in the top half with four.
Ranking 14th, Cincinnati is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.67 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 10.00.
Both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are tied at first for their on-base plus slugging percentage of .000.
