Pirates vs Reds Score: Game Preview

Luis L. Ortiz is starting for the Pirates today and has made 21 bullpen appearances this season. He holds a 3-2 record with a 3.45 ERA. Opponents have a .244 batting average against Ortiz, and his WHIP is 1.30. In his last outing, Ortiz pitched four innings out of the bullpen, giving up six earned runs, 10 hits, and one homer, finishing with a no-decision. Before that, he had gone three straight outings without allowing a homer. These factors will be crucial in the Pirates vs Reds Score, as they navigate the MLB odds today.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ offense has struggled this season, ranking near the bottom in most offensive categories. Their home runs per game are particularly low, at 3.8, which is 28th in the league. Their batting average of .228 is 21st, and their OPS of .657 is 26th. However, Bryan Reynolds has been a bright spot, hitting .280 on the season and .433 over his last eight games, with 13 home runs and 46 RBIs. Oneil Cruz has also been a key contributor with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs this year.

Cincinnati is sending Graham Ashcraft to the mound today vs. the Pirates. Ashcraft has made 12 starts this year with a 5.05 ERA and a 4-3 record. In his 12 starts, he has three quality outings and averages 7.07 strikeouts per nine innings. In his most recent appearance against the Rockies, he finished with a no-decision, giving up four earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. Ashcraft has not lost back-to-back starts since May. 

The Cincinnati Reds have been below average offensively this season, ranking 17th in runs per game at 4.3. Their batting average is .229, placing them 20th in the league, and their OPS is .683, ranking 18th on the MLB teams stats. Elly De La Cruz has been one of their top hitters, batting .253 with 14 home runs and 35 RBIs. Spencer Steer has also been consistent, hitting .242 with 9 home runs and 49 RBIs.