Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates Spread Prediction 8/24
Read our expert spread prediction for the Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates game on August 24. Get the latest odds, betting trends, and detailed team analysis.
Game Summary
The Cincinnati Reds face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 24 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Reds come into this game with a record of 60-67, while the Pirates have a slightly better standing at 62-66. The Reds have struggled this season, ranking 24th in the league with a batting average of .234 and 23rd in runs scored with 525. Their pitching staff, however, has been more respectable, boasting a team ERA of 3.89, which places them 13th overall. In their last 10 games, the Reds have a dismal record of 3-7, with their recent form reflecting struggles to find consistency on both sides of the ball.
On the other hand, the Pirates rank 28th in batting average (.230) and have scored 566 runs, ranking 14th in the league. Their pitching staff has an ERA of 4.05, good for 16th in the league. The Pirates have also been inconsistent recently, going 4-6 in their last 10 games. The Reds and Pirates have faced each other multiple times this season, with the Reds looking to improve their standing in the Central division with a crucial win against a division rival.
Jake Woodford (CIN) is the probable starting pitcher for the Reds. Woodford has struggled this season with an 0-5 record and an ERA of 6.67 over 27 innings pitched. He has given up 33 hits and 18 strikeouts, alongside six walks and five home runs. The Pirates' starting pitcher is currently undecided, which adds an element of uncertainty to the matchup. The Reds will look to capitalize on this with their inconsistent but sometimes effective lineup.
The weather is expected to be mostly sunny with a temperature of 84°F, creating a favorable environment for baseball. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for a better position in the standings.
Odds and Betting Lines
| Bet Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread (Cincinnati Reds) | -1.5 |
| Spread (Pittsburgh Pirates) | +1.5 |
Pitching Probables
| Player | W-L | ERA | WHIP | IP | H | K | BB | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Woodford (CIN) | 0-5 | 6.67 | 1.44 | 27.0 | 33 | 18 | 6 | 5 |
| Undecided (PIT) | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Team Previews
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have a mixed bag of statistics. At the plate, they have managed to accumulate 1009 hits this season, ranking them 21st overall. Their struggles are evident in their low batting average of .234, and they currently sit 23rd in runs scored. However, their pitching has been a bright spot, with a solid ERA of 3.89. The starting rotation, led by Woodford, has had its ups and downs, but with a team ERA of 3.89, they remain competitive. The bullpen has totaled 30 saves this season, putting them in 19th place in the league. Key players like Bryan Reynolds have been pivotal for their offensive output, boasting a .282 average with 19 home runs and 70 RBIs.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates, with a record of 62-66, have seen their fair share of challenges this season. Their batting average of .230 places them at the bottom of the league, and they have only managed to score 566 runs, ranking 14th in the league. Nevertheless, their pitching staff has been relatively effective, with a team ERA of 4.05. They have been able to secure 26 saves, ranking them tied for 26th in the league. Elly De La Cruz has emerged as a key player for the Pirates, hitting .262 with 22 home runs and 79 RBIs. The Pirates will need their offense to step up, especially against a struggling Reds pitcher like Woodford.
Team Injuries
Cincinnati Reds Injuries
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeimer Candelario | 3B | Toe | Expected to be out until at least Aug 30 |
| Austin Wynns | C | Shoulder | Expected to be out until at least Sep 27 |
| Brett Kennedy | RP | Undisclosed | Expected to be out until at least Aug 29 |
| Andrew Abbott | SP | Shoulder | Expected to be out until at least Sep 4 |
| Peyton Burdick | RF | Undisclosed | Expected to be out until at least Aug 27 |
Pittsburgh Pirates Injuries
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dauri Moreta | RP | Elbow | Out for the season |
| Jared Jones | SP | Lat | Expected to be out until at least Aug 27 |
Betting Trends
- The Reds are 3-7 in their last 10 games.
- The Pirates are 4-6 in their last 10 games.
- Cincinnati has covered the spread in 70% of their last few matchups against Pittsburgh.
- Pittsburgh has struggled against teams with a losing record, going 60% against the spread.
Recent Games
Cincinnati Reds Recent Games
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| @ Milwaukee | L8-3 | L |
| @ Milwaukee | L1-0 | L |
| @ Milwaukee | W4-3 | W |
| vs St. Louis | W6-1 | W |
| vs St. Louis | W4-1 | W |
Pittsburgh Pirates Recent Games
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Cincinnati | W7-0 | W |
| vs Cincinnati | L4-2 | L |
| vs Seattle | W7-2 | W |
| vs Seattle | L10-3 | L |
| vs San Diego | L3-0 | L |
Team Rankings
| Team | Hitting | Starting Pitching | Relief Pitching | Fielding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Reds | 24th | 13th | Tied-13th | Tied-13th |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 28th | 16th | 5th | Tied-26th |
Significant Betting Stats
- The Reds have a 70% coverage rate against the spread when facing the Pirates.
- The Pirates have a low batting average, making them vulnerable against strong pitching.
- Cincinnati's pitching staff has a solid ERA, which may limit Pittsburgh's scoring chances.
- Last 10 games for the Pirates have seen them struggle to score against teams with a better ERA.
- The Reds are 3-7 in their last 10 games, indicating a potential for an upset.
- Pittsburgh's recent form has been inconsistent, with several low-scoring games.
- Both teams struggle against left-handed pitchers, which could factor in depending on the final pitching matchup.
- The Reds have the advantage in recent matchups against the Pirates.
- Cincinnati has been strong at home but inconsistent on the road.
- Pittsburgh's recent home record against division rivals is underwhelming.
Weather
Weather for the game is expected to be mostly sunny with a temperature of 84°F.
Prediction
Given the current form of both teams, the Cincinnati Reds have a slight edge due to the Pirates' inconsistency. With Jake Woodford on the mound, the Reds will need to capitalize on scoring opportunities and rely on their pitching to keep the Pirates at bay. The spread of -1.5 for the Reds is achievable if they can produce offensively, especially against a struggling Pirates lineup. Therefore, I am leaning towards the Reds covering the spread in this matchup.


