The Cincinnati Reds will look to continue their mastery over the Pittsburgh Pirates with a revamped roster when the NL Central rivals conclude their four-game series. Cincinnati won eight of the first 10 games in the season series over the NL’s second-best team.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Pirates were on a bit of a roll after taking three of four at home against the Nationals and sweeping a two-game interleague set in Minnesota. That run solidified Pittsburgh’s standing as the second-best team in the National League, behind only division rival St. Louis. But the Pirates entered their own house of horrors and were dominated in a 15-5 loss to the Reds on Thursday. It was the sixth loss in a row at Cincinnati for the Pirates, who have surrendered an average of 5.6 runs while going 2-8 in the season series.
Baseball is a tricky game to figure out sometimes. The Reds had lost 17 of 28 entering the series and are trying to stay ahead of Milwaukee for last in the division. The Reds did post back-to-back shutout wins at St. Louis to split their just concluded six-game road trip. But the Reds, inexplicably, have the Bucs’ number this year, winning for the eighth time in 10 games against them following Thursday’s rout to go up 8.49 units with the over at 7-2-1 in those games.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Charlie Morton (6-4, 4.61 ERA) allowed three runs over 5.2 innings in a no-decision at Minnesota on Tuesday. He is winless in his last five starts and solving his first inning troubles would help snap that streak. In his 12 starts he’s allowed 16 runs – 15 earned – in the opening frame.
Morton will make his first start against the Reds this season and the 17th of his career. He is 3-0 in his last six GABP starts with a 2.70 ERA.
The Reds will have to fill another spot in their rotation after dealing Mike Leake, who was scheduled to pitch Sunday, to the Giants for a pair of prospects. Cincinnati has parted with its top two starters this season after dealing Johnny Cueto to Kansas City last week. The pair combined for 40 starts and 16 wins with both tossing better than 130 innings. Only one other pitcher – Anthony DeSclafani with 120 – has thrown more than 100 innings this season.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“He’s a veteran closer who’s been there and done that. He lengthens and deepens our bullpen. These moves help solidify our bullpen. You’re always looking for ways to improve your club.” – Pirates GM Neal Huntington on acquiring Joakim Soria and Joe Blanton.
LIVE BETTING or SITUATIONAL BETTING
The Pirates strengthened their bullpen by acquiring Joe Blanton from Kansas City and getting Tigers closer Joakim Soria in another deal. Mark Melancon, who set a club record with 30 consecutive saves, will remain the Pirates’ closer with Soria and left-hander Tony Watson forming a dynamic setup duo. Blanton will be used in long relief and could make a spot start for the club if needed. Pittsburgh has the fourth-best bullpen ERA in the Majors at 2.88 but opponent’s hit .241 against the group. The team’s bullpen needs were magnified Thursday when it allowed seven runs in a 15-5 loss to the Reds and has a 5.97 ERA over the past 12 games.
PROP TALK
Joey Votto is scorching hot right now. The Reds first baseman is hitting .568 with a 1.570 OPS in his last 13 games after going 3 for 4 on Thursday. He’s had nine multi-hit games in that stretch and six times he collected three hits. He’s raised his average from .277 to .313 during his hot streak. Votto is hitting .333 in 10 games this season and is 7 for 18 in his last four against Pittsburgh. He’s done well during his career against the Bucs with a .340 average and 13 home runs in 397 at-bats. Votto has nine hits off Charlie Morton during his career and has worked seven free passes for .410 on-base percentage.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Hard to figure the Reds having so much success against the Pirates this season, but that’s baseball. When division rivals play so many games against each other the numbers tend to even out, and the Pirates are the better team, at least their record indicates that. The Reds have a few new faces in the clubhouse after the deadline and it’ll take some time to acclimate after a roster tear down. And the Bucs can’t keep losing to the Reds, right?
Pittsburgh 5, Cincinnati 4
The MLB lines for this contest will first be released by BookMaker Sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, player props and inning totals. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The ballgame pitting the Pittsburgh Pirates versus the Cincinnati Reds will commence Sunday, August 2, 2015, at 1:10 p.m. ET at Great American Ball Park. The game will be televised live on ROOT Sports and FSOH.
