Reds vs Pirates Odds, Picks, and Probable Pitchers (Oct. 1)

• The Reds and Pirates meet on Friday in the first of a three-game set
• Cincinnati is a -170 road favorite
• The odds, preview, and prediction can be found below

In the final series of the season for both teams, the Cincinnati Reds (82-77, 38-40 away) visit the Pittsburgh Pirates (59-100, 35-43 home) on Friday afternoon for the first of a three-game set. First-pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM ET at PNC Park. Luis Castillo takes the mound for the visitors, while the Bucs counter with Wil Crowe.

Coming into this contest, Cincinnati has gone 12-4 against their divisional rivals in 2021.

Reds vs Pirates Odds

Odds as of September 30th at DraftKings.

Probable Pitchers

Castillo takes the hill for the final time this season as he looks to finish on a high note. The right-hander has gone 8-16 with a 4.05 ERA in 32 starts, striking out 187 in 182.1 innings. However, Castillo has had problems with his control, giving up 68 walks in 2021. The month of September has been relatively solid for the Dominican though, posting a 2.49 ERA in four outings with opponents hitting just .245.

Luis Castillo, Sick 97mph Two Seamer. 🥴 pic.twitter.com/BDYLFWlviC

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 24, 2021

Last time out, Castillo tossed six innings while surrendering just two runs to the Washington Nationals but unfortunately took the loss due to the lack of run support he received. Six days before that, he held the mighty Dodgers scoreless in 6.1 innings in arguably his best start of the season. Although the Pirates are also in the NL Central, Castillo has only faced them once this season but fared well, throwing seven innings while allowing no runs and collecting five K’s. As a lineup, they’re hitting only .170 off Castillo.

Castillo vs Crowe

Crowe has been very poor for a Pirates staff that has struggled all year long. The righty boasts a dismal 5.77 ERA and 4-8 record in 25 games this season, with his command issues playing a big part in his problems. Crowe has surrendered 54 walks in just 110.2 innings while striking out 102. He also has a WHIP of 1.63. However, the 27-year-old has looked slightly better across his last three outings, giving up just seven earned runs during that span.

PBN Around the Horn: Will We See a Good Wil Crowe? https://t.co/n7JuIJCuu5 pic.twitter.com/LGq6Giook9

— Pittsburgh Baseball Now (@pghbaseballnow) September 25, 2021

In his most recent appearance, Crowe allowed three runs to the Phillies in 4.2 frames, but they did slug two homers off him. Aside from those outings though, he has an ERA over seven in September. His only appearance against the Reds earlier in the year was forgettable as well, giving up three earned runs and three home runs before he was chased after only four innings.

Batting Average vs Starting Pitchers

The losing continues to the Pirates after a 9-0 loss to the Cubs on Thursday. They’re now just 3-7 in their last 10 games and will be looking to at least end the campaign with a couple of wins. But, it won’t be easy, especially considering how dominant the Reds have been against them. Castillo will be a very tough arm to hit as well, given just how terrific he’s been lately. Aside from Colin Moran and Wilmer Difo who have raked off Castillo, there’s limited experience against the hard-throwing righty.

Right on target. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/uKuClZKwNd

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 29, 2021

Following a poor spell, the Reds are officially out of contention for the NL Wild Card. Cincy lost far too many games when it mattered most and with St. Louis going on a ridiculous 17-game winning streak, it didn’t leave the Reds or any other team much hope of surpassing them.

3⃣0⃣ homers for Geno! pic.twitter.com/W0tZP9hbPW

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 29, 2021

While this series doesn’t mean much of anything, they have been playing better lately, winning four of their last six contests. But, their offense went dead silent earlier this week, dropping a two-game set to the White Sox while scoring only a pair of runs. With Castillo on the mound in the opener, the Reds will be hoping the bats can come alive behind him.

Reds vs Pirates Prediction

Crowe has been downright awful this month and Castillo is coming off a couple of quality outings. That being said, I fully expect the Reds to come out on top here at PNC Park. Take them on the moneyline in the series opener.

Pick: Cincinnati Reds moneyline (-170)