Through 10 meetings, the Pirates have a 6-4 edge on the Reds.
Based on that, one could assume that the Pittsburgh Pirates (72-81) were the third NL Central team vying for the postseason. Instead, they will miss the postseason again after a hot start in April. Their next loss will secure a losing season, too.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds (79-75) are in the National League’s chaotic wild-card race. They begin the weekend 0.5 games back of the final spot. With the tiebreaker edge over Chicago and Arizona, catching either of those teams would give them an edge.
One team needs a win, while the other has loved playing spoiler. How will Pirates vs. Reds play out tonight?
Match Details
Fixture: Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cincinnati Reds
Date and Time: Friday, September 22, 6:40 p.m. EST
Venue: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio
Pirates vs. Reds Betting Odds
| Team | Run Line | Total | Money Line |
| Pirates | +1.5 (-148) | Over 9.5 (-118) | +136 |
| Reds | -1.5 (+124) | Under 9.5 (-102) | -162 |
Starting Pitchers
Pittsburgh will put their trust in Luis Ortiz tonight. He has a 5.48 ERA against NL Central clubs this season. Three of Ortiz’s last four starts have been losses.
Cincinnati has lefty Andrew Abbott slated to toe the rubber. Also a rookie, he held the Pirates to two runs across 5.2 innings the first time he faced them. Abbott’s ERA at home is 3.46.
Pirates vs. Reds Prediction
The Pirates have mysteriously won three of their last four and six of their past nine. That includes kicking in the Cubs’ teeth twice before this series. Meanwhile, the Reds, who need wins right now, have dropped three of four. Their starter tonight, Andrew Abbott, has a 6.33 ERA in his past five outings. Take the Pirates for another upset win over a contending team.
