Tigers vs Reds Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 4: MLB

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Odds

Key stats

Preview

The Tigers are in the back in Cincinnati for game two against the Reds.  Detroit thrashed the home side in game one of the three-game series last night to take a 1-0 series lead.  The win was only their second in their last seven games, a span in which they're averaging 5.28 runs per game.  The loss was a blow for the Reds who currently occupy the second wild card position and are within touching distance for the other wild card hopefuls.  They sit ten games behind the Brewers in the NL Central so the wild card berth is their best option to get into the playoffs at present.  The Reds have been slowly losing ground on the chasing pack having won only three of their last ten games.  They need a win tonight to avoid falling out of their current position and ultimately having to rely on other results to go their way in order to get into the postseason. 

Pitching matchup

Tigers

Matthew Boyd (3-7, 3.50 ERA) Seventh-year pitcher Matthew Boyd will start his 15th game of the season for the Tigers.  Boyd has a 3.50 ERA in 2021 which is the best of his career so far.  In 74.2 IP, he has 69 strikeouts versus 21 walks and 29 ERs off 70 hits.  He led the league in both ERs and home runs in 2020, with 25 and 15 respectively. 

Reds

Tyler Mahle (10-5, 3.64 ERA) Tyler Mahle will take the mound for Cincinnati for the 28th time this season.  Mahle is a career 4.35 ERA pitcher with a 3.64 ERA in 2021.  He has 174 strikeouts in 148.1 innings pitched, surrendered 126 hits and 60 ERs.  He's 10 ERs from 26 hits in 31.2 innings pitched over the last five games, added to 36 strikeouts and only four walks. 

Prediction

Despite the scoreline, batting from both clubs has been inconsistent recently with the penchant for staying cold more than going hot.  The over / under at 9 seems high.

PICK: Under 9 (-110)

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