In the second of a three-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (14-19) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (17-15) at the Great American Ball Park, Alfredo Simon (1-3, 9.86 ERA) and Juan Nicasio (3-3, 3.16 ERA) get the start. The Reds won the last game 3-2, and Cincinnati leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 10 and will air on FSOH and RTPT.
In his most recent outing, Simon pitched 7.2 innings, allowing three runs, striking out five and walking one in a 9-5 victory over the Brewers. Brandon Phillips (.284, 16 Rs, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The Pirates were unsuccessful against the Cubs 6-2 the last time Nicasio pitched. He went 4.1 innings, allowing four, striking out three and walking three. Starling Marte (.341, 19 Rs, 3 HRs, 14 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Pirates, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one stolen base.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Reds have a SU record of 10-9 against teams in their division. Cincinnati has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking fourth in all of baseball with 23 steals. The most recent 10 game stretch for Cincinnati’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Cincinnati’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 7.1 strikeouts per game.
Against divisional rivals, the Pirates are 8-13 SU. They sport the fifth-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. One of the top hitting teams in the league are the Pirates, who have a .280 batting average. The Pirates average 4.1 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Pittsburgh pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
The Reds have gotten the best of the Pirates in head-to-head matchups this season, going 4-3.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
In their last game, the Pirates lost by a margin of one run. The Reds are 7-4 in one-run games. The Pirates have a 4-4 record in close games.
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 12-7 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Pirates are 2-10. The Reds have a 4-15 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 21st in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 30 this season. Cincinnati ranks 13th with 36 home runs.
Ranking 27th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.61 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five at second with 9.94.
Ranking 21st, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.699). Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .793.
The Pirates are 9-12 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Reds are 11-18 when they allow at least one homer.
