Pirates vs Reds Odds, Picks, and Probable Pitchers (Sep. 22)

• The Pirates and Reds wrap up a three-game set on Wednesday
• Cincinnati is a heavy -240 home favorite in the finale
• Find the odds, preview, and prediction below

The Pittsburgh Pirates (57-94, 23-53 away) visit the Cincinnati Reds (78-74, 40-36 home) on Wednesday for the series finale of a three-game set, with the first pitch scheduled for 12:35 PM EST. Despite the Bucs’ 6-2 win on Tuesday, Cincy has won seven of the last 10 meetings between the two teams.

The Pirates have yet to announce their starter here, while the Reds send Luis Castillo to the mound.

Pirates vs Reds Odds

Odds as of September 21st at DraftKings.

Probable Pitchers

While his numbers don’t necessarily jump off the page, Castillo has put together a respectable year. The righty currently boasts a 4.08 ERA and 8-15 record in 31 starts for the Reds. He’s also thrown a team-high 176.1 innings. Castillo has been pitching a lot better since mid-August, allowing a maximum of four runs in across his last six outings. In his most recent appearance, the 28-year-old dominated a terrifying Dodgers offense, limiting them zero runs in 6.1 frames.

Luis Castillo, Gorgeous 99mph Back Door Two Seamer. 😍

20" of arm side run. 99.5mph. Beautiful. pic.twitter.com/7aW46RXNWG

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 18, 2021

Since the All-Star break, Castillo has been improving immensely, compiling a 3.30 ERA in the second half. He also pitches much better at home with a 3.19 ERA. The Dominican is familiar with the Pirates lineup, having already faced them once this season. In that start, Castillo threw seven scoreless innings.

Batting Average vs Starting Pitchers

The Pirates have actually been playing decent baseball, going 6-4 in their last 10 games. Pittsburgh has scored at least five runs in each of their previous three contests before Tuesday’s game. They do have one of the worst road records in the entire MLB though, winning just 22 times away from PNC Park.

And so that'll make it a 4-0 ballgame. pic.twitter.com/iyOL4ZTs95

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 21, 2021

It doesn’t get any easier after this Reds series either, with the Phillies up next. But, the Pirates have a clear opportunity to play spoiler, with Philadelphia also vying for the final Wild Card spot alongside Cincy. There are a few guys throughout their lineup who have hit Castillo well, most notably Wilmer Difo, Colin Moran, and Ke’Bryan Hayes.

It’s crunch time for the Reds, who are currently three games back in the NL Wild Card race behind the Cardinals. Their remaining schedule is definitely manageable as well. After the Pirates leave town, the Nationals visit before Cincinnati faces the White Sox for a quick two-game set. To end the year, the Reds play Pittsburgh again. Other than the Chicago series, the Reds have a clear opportunity to rack up some victories here and make a serious run at a postseason berth.

You may be cool, but you'll never be Joey Votto cool. pic.twitter.com/DO8fGFMjPt

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 21, 2021

Their offense must keep clicking, especially when it comes to the home run. In a 9-5 comeback victory on Monday night, Cincy clubbed four long balls, with Joey Votto going deep twice himself. In fact, the team has went yard 204 times this season, which is eighth in the big leagues.

Pirates vs Reds Prediction

Even though it’s unknown who is going to take the hill for Pittsburgh, I have to take the Reds here. Castillo has been very solid lately and Cincy will be looking to bounce back after a loss on Tuesday.

Pick: Cincinnati Reds -1.5 (-120)