The NL Central leading Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds tonight, Tuesday July 19th, for Game 2 of a three game set. The Reds are 0-5 SU in the last five meetings against the Pirates. MLB oddsmakers have the Reds as -120 moneyline road favorites over the Pirates (+110) with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Be sure to get your Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates prediction in now.
Cincinnati (47-49, 22-27 V) has lost six of their last ten games and have only two wins out of seven on the road. Jay Bruce went 0 for 2 with two walks after going 9 for 19 with four homers in his first five games against Pittsburgh this year. Joey Votto, meanwhile, had a single in four at-bats and is 7 for 22 with just one extra-base hit and two RBIs in the season series. Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips is 4 for 6 in his career against McDonald, who is 2-0 with a 3.41 ERA in his last six starts. Cincinnati third baseman Scott Rolen was out of the lineup due to manager Dusty Baker's concerns about the veteran's sore right shoulder, but Rolen is expected to start Tuesday.
Mike Leake (8-4, 4.28 ERA), the lone Cincinnati pitcher to beat Pittsburgh this year, will toss from the mound. Leake allowed two runs over six innings of an 11-2 rout April 16, improving to 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his last four road starts.
Pittsburgh (50-44, 24-22 H) has won seven of their last ten games and five of their last seven at home. took over sole possession of first place with Monday's 2-0 victory and Milwaukee's loss at Arizona. The Pirates are one-half game ahead of the Brewers and St. Louis in the crowded Central race. Charlie Morton continued his success against Cincinnati by pitching five innings Monday. He's won all three starts against the Reds this season, allowing one run over 23 innings. Walker had two hits and scored a run. He extended his hitting streak to 12 games, and he's batting .460 with 10 RBIs during his run.
James McDonald (5-4, 4.42) will face the Reds for the third time in 2011 after two contrasting outings. He allowed seven runs over 4 1/3 innings in losing to Leake in April, but held Cincinnati to a Bruce solo homer over 6 2/3 innings in a 5-3 win May 19.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Reds are 4-0 in their last 4 games as a favorite.
Reds are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Reds are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings.
Pirates are 4-0 in McDonalds last 4 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Pirates are 5-0 in McDonalds last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Pirates are 5-0 in McDonalds last 5 starts with the total set at 7.0-8.5.
Reds are 1-4 in Leakes last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates
When: Tuesday July 19th@7:05 PM ET
Pick: Pirates +110
Point-Spreads recommends you check out MLB Odds before the Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates
game.
The Bottom Line: Pittsburgh is on a streak and they have the batters to beat the Reds. Be sure to get your Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates prediction in now.
