Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction 9-23-23 MLB Picks

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds clash Saturday in game 2 of an MLB series at Great American Ball Park. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pirates look for a win after winning 7 of their last 10 games. The Pirates are 7 games back in the NL wild card race. The Pirates pitching staff is 21st in ERA (4.59), 22nd in WHIP (1.38) and 15th in quality starts (51). The Pirates' offense is 23rd in runs per game (4.27), 27th in batting average (.238) and 26th in homers (155). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with 146 hits and 79 RBI, while Ke'Bryan Hayes and Andrew McCutchen have combined for 230 hits and 104 RBI. Bailey Falter gets the ball, and he is 2-9 with a 4.58 ERA and 59 strikeouts this season. Falter is 0-1 with a 4.11 ERA and 14 strikeouts in his career against the Reds.

Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview

The Reds look to snap a 3-game losing streak. The Reds are 1.5 games back in the NL wild card race. The Reds pitching staff is 24th in ERA (4.74), 23rd in WHIP (1.41) and 25th in quality starts (43). The Reds' offense is 12th in runs per game (4.68), 17th in batting average (.246) and 16th in homers (179). Spencer Steer leads the Reds with 149 hits and 82 RBI, while TJ Friedl and Tyler Stephenson have combined for 237 hits and 109 RBI. Connor Phillips gets the ball, and he is 1-0 with a 5.74 ERA and 17 strikeouts this season. This will be Phillips’ first career game against the Pirates.

Randy’s Pick

The Reds should be the pick if looking for a side as they're the more desperate team that needs a win to stay in the playoff race, and they're at home. However, give me the over. Bailey Falter has a 4.58 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, while Connor Phillips has a 5.74 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Neither of these pitchers are scaring anybody, and they both have issues keeping the ball in the park. I expect some fireworks. Give me the over in this contest.