Monday night featured a lot of fireworks early when the Pittsburgh Pirates (2-2) took down the Boston Red Sox (2-2). Pittsburgh has only played on the road this season, but they’ve managed to hold their own. Brian Reynolds muscled two homers to right field last night in the 7-6 victory. Boston hasn’t left home yet in 2023, and their current season is shaping up similarly to 2022. Their offense is incredible, but their pitching is lackluster, costing them games.
Last night’s affair was even and entertaining. Luckily, we’ll get to see Pirates vs. Red Sox again tonight.
Match Details
Fixture: Pittsburgh Pirates @ Boston Red Sox
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 4, 7:10 p.m. EST
Venue: Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts
Pirates vs. Red Sox: Betting Odds
| Team | Run Line | Total | Money Line |
| Pirates | +1.5 (-165) | Over 9.0 (+110) | +130 |
| Red Sox | -1.5 (+140) | Under 9.0 (-130) | -150 |
Pirates vs. Red Sox: Starting Pitchers
Roansy Contreras will make his first start of 2023 tonight after his first full MLB season in 2022. Contreras’ rookie season was solid for the Pirates, as he pitched in 21 games and finished with a 1.27 WHIP. He ended the year with 1.3 WAR and 110 ERA+ (league average is 100), so he will look to build upon that this season.
Boston will hand the ball to Nick Pivetta for the game tonight. Pivetta started 33 games last season and tossed 179.2 innings. His ERA+ was only 92, as he wasn’t very effective in those innings. With a 1.38 WHIP and 4.42 FIP last season, Pivetta has room to improve in 2023.
Key Stats
The Boston Red Sox have produced the most runs in baseball so far, 33 in four games. Last night was their lowest-scoring performance of the season, scoring only six runs. It was also their lowest-scoring game, with only 13 total runs between the two teams. That’s because Boston ranks 28th in hits allowed, 29th in earned runs allowed, and 29th in home runs allowed. They’ve also walked 18 batters which is 21st.
Pirates vs. Red Sox: Betting Prediction
If it isn’t broken, you shouldn’t try to fix it. That’s how I’m approaching the total in Red Sox games right now, at least at Fenway. All four of their games, which have been at home, have finished with double-digit run totals. They have been the best offense in baseball while also being one of the worst pitching teams in the MLB. Pittsburgh played into their game once already last night, and I expect the same tonight. Neither pitcher is great, and Fenway is a hitter-friendly park. Take the over.
