Free MLB Picks Today: Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates 9/13/22 (Game Two)

Raynel Espinal is lined up to make his first start of the season as the Cincinnati Reds (56-83) take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (52-88) at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday in a doubleheader. The Pirates lead the series 1-0 after winning 6-3 on Monday, their sixth head-to-head victory in 13 games this season. Bryse Wilson went 5.2 innings to get the win, giving up three runs on seven hits, and Wil Crowe threw two scoreless innings to earn his fourth save. Bryan Reynolds was 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs in the win. Diego Castillo added a home run and two RBIs. Aristides Aquino went 2 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs for the Reds.

ON THE MOUND

Right-hander Espinal takes the mound for Cincinnati, his season debut. He made only one appearance for the Red Sox last season.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged 4.4 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.6. Against right-handed pitchers like Espinal this season, the Bucs have a .650 OPS, third lowest in MLB. Reynolds is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .791 OPS in 326 at-bats. Cincinnati is averaging 4.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.3 for the season.

HOME AND AWAY

Pittsburgh is 24-45 on the road in 2022, scoring 3.4 runs per game while allowing 4.8 runs. Cincinnati has gone 29-40 at home this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 5.2. Cincinnati is 6-4 in the last 10 games at Great American Ball Park between the NL Central rivals with an average scoreline of 5.8-3.8.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Pirates are fifth in the NL Central, 30 games behind the division-leading Cardinals. The Reds are fourth in the NL Central, 26 games behind the Cardinals.