by Chuck Sommers
Friday, Mar 31, 2023
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati, OH
Where to watch: ATTP, BSOH
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Check back later for odds
BetMGM: Check back later for odds
Caesars: Check back later for odds
Season record
Pirates: 1-0
Reds: 0-1
Pirates - Reds preview and analysis
he Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds are set to face off in their second game of the 2023 season on April 1st. Both teams are looking to start the season off on the right foot and set the tone for the rest of the year.
The Pirates are coming off a 5-4 win on Opening Day on Thursday. Oneill Cruz hit a blast to Cleveland and walked twice to get a feel-good win for the young Bucs. Ji Hwan Bae also did some good things.
“Overall, really pleased because there was a lot of team stuff that happened today,” manager Derek Shelton said. “It wasn’t one guy who did it. We kind of did it up and down and with our pitching, too.”
Not much fun is happening for the Reds, either, as another plummeting season seems on the horizon. Cincinnati had just eight hits to only four runs while leaving eight one base. Hunter Greene struck out eight and showed off the gas, but that Cruz missile was absurd.
“Tyler [Stephenson] and I were going back and forth on signs. Didn’t get to it quick enough," Greene said. "Hopefully it doesn’t happen again. But it does happen. I feel like we’re still in a really good place with making that adjustment on those new changes.
Both teams have some talented players who could make a big impact in this game, so let's take a closer look at what fans can expect.
One player to watch for the Pirates is outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Reynolds had a breakout season in 2022, finishing with a .302 batting average, 24 home runs, and 90 RBI. If Reynolds can continue his success in the upcoming season and have a big game in this matchup, he could be a key factor in the Pirates' success.
Another player to watch for the Pirates is starting pitcher Mitch Keller. Keller is a young pitcher with a lot of potential, and the Pirates will be looking for him to take the next step in his development in the upcoming season. If Keller can have a solid outing in this matchup, he could give the Pirates the boost they need to come out on top.
On the Reds' side, one player to watch is outfielder Nick Castellanos. Castellanos had a strong 2022 season, finishing with a .302 batting average, 34 home runs, and 100 RBI. He will be looking to build upon that success in the upcoming season and help lead the Reds to victory in this game.
Another player to watch for the Reds is starting pitcher Sonny Gray. Gray had a solid 2022 season, finishing with a 3.29 ERA and 160 strikeouts. He will be looking to continue his success in the upcoming season and help lead the Reds to victory in this game.
When it comes to pitching, both teams have some talented arms that could make a big impact in this game. The Pirates have a solid bullpen led by closer Richard Rodriguez, who had a strong 2022 season. The Reds, meanwhile, have a strong starting rotation led by Gray and Luis Castillo, who also had a solid 2022 season.
Overall, this game promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with something to prove. Both teams have some key players who could make a big impact on the outcome of the game, and it will be interesting to see how the two teams match up against each other.
As always, there are sure to be surprises and unexpected twists and turns in the game, and it will be up to both teams to stay focused and make the most of their opportunities on the field. Whether you're a Pirates fan or a Reds fan, this is a game you won't want to miss.
The Pirates are coming off a 5-4 win on Opening Day on Thursday. Oneill Cruz hit a blast to Cleveland and walked twice to get a feel-good win for the young Bucs. Ji Hwan Bae also did some good things.
“Overall, really pleased because there was a lot of team stuff that happened today,” manager Derek Shelton said. “It wasn’t one guy who did it. We kind of did it up and down and with our pitching, too.”
Not much fun is happening for the Reds, either, as another plummeting season seems on the horizon. Cincinnati had just eight hits to only four runs while leaving eight one base. Hunter Greene struck out eight and showed off the gas, but that Cruz missile was absurd.
“Tyler [Stephenson] and I were going back and forth on signs. Didn’t get to it quick enough," Greene said. "Hopefully it doesn’t happen again. But it does happen. I feel like we’re still in a really good place with making that adjustment on those new changes.
Both teams have some talented players who could make a big impact in this game, so let's take a closer look at what fans can expect.
One player to watch for the Pirates is outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Reynolds had a breakout season in 2022, finishing with a .302 batting average, 24 home runs, and 90 RBI. If Reynolds can continue his success in the upcoming season and have a big game in this matchup, he could be a key factor in the Pirates' success.
Another player to watch for the Pirates is starting pitcher Mitch Keller. Keller is a young pitcher with a lot of potential, and the Pirates will be looking for him to take the next step in his development in the upcoming season. If Keller can have a solid outing in this matchup, he could give the Pirates the boost they need to come out on top.
On the Reds' side, one player to watch is outfielder Nick Castellanos. Castellanos had a strong 2022 season, finishing with a .302 batting average, 34 home runs, and 100 RBI. He will be looking to build upon that success in the upcoming season and help lead the Reds to victory in this game.
Another player to watch for the Reds is starting pitcher Sonny Gray. Gray had a solid 2022 season, finishing with a 3.29 ERA and 160 strikeouts. He will be looking to continue his success in the upcoming season and help lead the Reds to victory in this game.
When it comes to pitching, both teams have some talented arms that could make a big impact in this game. The Pirates have a solid bullpen led by closer Richard Rodriguez, who had a strong 2022 season. The Reds, meanwhile, have a strong starting rotation led by Gray and Luis Castillo, who also had a solid 2022 season.
Overall, this game promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with something to prove. Both teams have some key players who could make a big impact on the outcome of the game, and it will be interesting to see how the two teams match up against each other.
As always, there are sure to be surprises and unexpected twists and turns in the game, and it will be up to both teams to stay focused and make the most of their opportunities on the field. Whether you're a Pirates fan or a Reds fan, this is a game you won't want to miss.
Prediction
I don't know how long it can last, but I'm liking the Pirates. Just get some consistent pitching here, would ya? Pirates 6, Reds 4
I don't know how long it can last, but I'm liking the Pirates. Just get some consistent pitching here, would ya? Pirates 6, Reds 4
Betting trends
Check back later for trends.
Projected lineup
Pirates:
Oneil Cruz (L) SS
Bryan Reynolds (S) LF
Andrew McCutchen (R) DH
Carlos Santana (S) 1B
Canaan Smith-Njigba (L) RF
Ke'Bryan Hayes (R) 3B
Jack Suwinski (L) CF
Ji Hwan Bae (L) 2B
Austin Hedges (R) C
Oneil Cruz (L) SS
Bryan Reynolds (S) LF
Andrew McCutchen (R) DH
Carlos Santana (S) 1B
Canaan Smith-Njigba (L) RF
Ke'Bryan Hayes (R) 3B
Jack Suwinski (L) CF
Ji Hwan Bae (L) 2B
Austin Hedges (R) C
Reds:
Jonathan India (R) 2B
TJ Friedl (L) CF
Jake Fraley (L) DH
Tyler Stephenson (R) C
Jason Vosler (L) 1B
Wil Myers (R) RF
Spencer Steer (R) 3B
Will Benson (L) LF
Jose Barrero (R) SS
Jonathan India (R) 2B
TJ Friedl (L) CF
Jake Fraley (L) DH
Tyler Stephenson (R) C
Jason Vosler (L) 1B
Wil Myers (R) RF
Spencer Steer (R) 3B
Will Benson (L) LF
Jose Barrero (R) SS
Don't miss our champion handicappers' free picks and expert MLB picks today. And if you enjoyed this preview, be sure to drop by every day for our daily MLB projections and predictions.
Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
