Gerrit Cole (7-6, 2.73 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (55-53) meet Dan Straily (6-6, 3.80 ERA) and the Cincinnati Reds (44-65) in the last of a three-game division series at PNC Park. The Pirates won the last game 5-3, and Pittsburgh leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 7 and will air on FSOH and RTPT.
In his most recent outing, Cole pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two, striking out four and walking two in a 5-3 victory over the Braves. Starling Marte (.321, 59 Rs, 7 HRs, 39 RBIs, 39 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, two RBIs, and one stolen base. The Reds were victorious over the Cardinals 7-5 the last time Straily pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out four and walking one. Jay Bruce (.262, 63 Rs, 27 HRs, 84 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Reds, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Pittsburgh is a heavy -190 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Pirates are 31-28 as the favorite and have an overall money line of +60. They have a 21-23 record SU and are 13-12 as favorite within their division. The Pirates come into the game with the fifth-ranked scoring offense in the NL, averaging 4.5 runs per game. The Pirates rank fifth in the NL in hits with 8.8 per game. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking fourth in all of baseball with 83 steals.
Switching gears, the Reds come into this game with a weak win percentage of .322 when playing as the underdog (28-59) and an overall money line of -1,023. Against divisional foes, they are 16-26 SU and have played poorly as the underdog with a 13-24 record. The Reds have racked up 90 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. Cincinnati’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 3.2 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 5.5.
The Pirates have mostly come out on top against the Reds in their previous 10 games this season, earning a 6-4 record. The Pirates will take on a right-hander (Straily) in this game and have a 40-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Reds will be the right-hander Cole. They sport a 36-49 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT, O/U – Over
Notes
Cincinnati has won 41% (22-32) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Pittsburgh has won 44% (22-28) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Reds are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Pirates have a 20-27 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 8-50. The Pirates have a 14-41 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 100 this season. Cincinnati ranks 18th with 122 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Cincinnati is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.20 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five with 8.83.
Ranking 26th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.709). Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half at 17th with an OPS of .735.
When the Reds allow at least one home run, they are 30-54. When the Pirates allow one or more homers, they have a 29-42 record.
