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Pittsburgh (68-89) at Cincinnati (80-77)
- When: Sep 24 2025, 6:40 PM
- Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
- Where to watch: SportsNet PT
Pirates vs. Reds – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Cincinnati -118
Spread: Cincinnati -1.5 (+175)
Total: 7.0
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Outlook
The Pirates struck first in the series, taking Tuesday’s opener 4-2 behind timely hitting and enough pitching to keep Cincinnati’s bats in check. At 68–89, Pittsburgh is out of the playoff picture, but playing spoiler has become their late-season motivation.
Paul Skenes (10-10, 2.03 ERA) takes the mound for his 32nd start of the season. The rookie sensation had a rare stumble in his last outing against the Cubs, surrendering seven hits and three runs in under four innings. Still, his overall numbers are elite, he leads the majors in ERA and has 11 scoreless starts, tying a team record.
Skenes has been especially sharp against Cincinnati, going 4-0 with a 0.39 ERA in four career matchups. That dominance makes him a dangerous opponent as Pittsburgh looks to play spoiler yet again.
Cincinnati Reds Betting Outlook
Cincinnati enters this matchup clinging to postseason hopes, sitting at 80–77 and just a game behind the Mets for the final NL wild-card slot. Tuesday’s loss halted their five-game win streak, and with the Diamondbacks also tied in the chase, every inning now carries weight.
Hunter Greene (7-4, 2.74 ERA) will get the start, fresh off the best outing of his young career. He blanked the Cubs in his first-ever complete-game shutout, striking out nine and allowing just one hit with triple-digit heat. Greene’s command has been sharper of late, and Cincinnati will be counting on him to match Skenes in a playoff-type atmosphere.
The Reds also hope to get Austin Hays back in the lineup after missing two games with back spasms, which would add some much-needed pop to an offense that mustered just five hits in Tuesday’s loss.
MLB Prediction & Betting Angle
The Reds are slim favorites at -118, with the total sitting at 7.0. With two power arms in Greene and Skenes, MyBookie oddsmakers expect a tight, low-scoring duel. Cincinnati has more at stake and Greene is coming off a gem, but Skenes’ history against the Reds is impossible to ignore.
Expect a nail-biter that reflects playoff-level intensity.
Cincinnati evens the series in a tense pitchers’ duel, edging Pittsburgh in a game that stays Under the total.
Score Prediction: Reds 3, Pirates 2
Pick: Cincinnati (-118)
Total: Under 7.0 (-125)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
