Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions September 23rd 2025

Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates September 23rd 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates will visit the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The game is set for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:40 PM. The Pirates come into this game with a record of 67-89 and are ranked fifth in the NL Central Division.

Unlock 3,000 Picks for Only $9

First Month Special!

Get Free Trial

The Reds hold a record of 80-76, sitting third in the division. The Pirates have won their last two games, while the Reds are on a five-game winning streak. The weather forecast predicts light rain, making it a mild evening for baseball.

Pirates vs Reds Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds
• Venue: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, OH
• Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
• Betting Odds: Pirates Moneyline +131, Reds Moneyline -155

The Pirates Can Win If…

The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off an impressive 11-0 win over the Oakland Athletics, a game that showcased both their offensive and pitching depth. Jared Triolo and Joey Bart combined for eight hits, driving the lineup and setting the tone. On the mound, Mike Burrows delivered four scoreless innings, scattering five hits and striking out three to keep Oakland off the board.

Pittsburgh’s strength lies in its pitching. The Pirates own a 3.82 ERA, which ranks 7th in MLB, and their staff has held opponents to a .236 batting average, also 7th-best in the league. This ability to limit baserunners has helped them stay competitive even in tight matchups.

Johan Oviedo will start for Pittsburgh, bringing a 3.52 ERA into this game. Backed by Bryan Reynolds, who leads the team with 16 home runs, the Pirates can pair quality pitching with timely offense. If they can string together run support for Oviedo, they have the tools to upset the Reds on the road.

The Reds Can Win If…

The Cincinnati Reds enter this matchup on a hot streak, having just shut out the Cubs 1-0 to complete a four-game sweep. Andrew Abbott held Chicago scoreless over 4 2/3 innings before the bullpen closed the door. Offensively, Gavin Lux provided the key hit with a run-scoring double, proving the Reds can grind out wins even in low-scoring contests.

Pitching consistency has been one of Cincinnati’s strengths this season. The Reds’ staff owns a 3.91 ERA, ranked 14th, and holds opponents to a .235 batting average, the 6th-best mark in baseball. Their 67 quality starts are the 4th-most in the league, highlighting how effective their rotation has been.

Brady Singer takes the ball for Cincinnati with a 14-10 record and a 3.86 ERA. His ability to eat innings and keep games close has been crucial all year. With power hitters like Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer in the lineup, the Reds have enough offensive firepower to provide Singer with the run support he needs.

Quick Stat Snapshot

The Lean

The Reds enter as -155 favorites, while the Pirates sit at +130. Cincinnati’s stronger lineup and steadier rotation make them the logical pick. My model projects the Reds to win 5-3, so the moneyline play leans toward Cincinnati.

The total is set at 8.5 runs. Both pitching staffs rank inside the top half of the league, and with Oviedo and Singer on the mound, scoring may come in spurts rather than explosions. My model calls for 8 combined runs, so the recommended play is the under 8.5.

Betting Trends

• Pirates are 2-7 in their last 9 road games.
• Reds are 10-5 in their last 15 overall.
• The under is 6-2 in Pittsburgh’s last 8 games versus NL Central opponents.

For more betting breakdowns, check the MLB picks page.

Playoff Pressure

The Reds are in the thick of the wild-card race, tied with the Mets for the final spot in the National League. With the tiebreaker in their favor, Cincinnati controls its own destiny. A strong showing against Pittsburgh could seal their first playoff berth since 2020 and first in a full season since 2013.

Meanwhile, the Pirates are shifting toward the future. Reports suggest pitching prospect Hunter Barco may get a late-season call-up after posting a 3.79 ERA in Triple-A. Even if Pittsburgh is out of contention, this is a chance for young players to prove themselves and close the season strong.

Matchup Notes

Brady Singer has already faced the Pirates three times this season, going 1-2 with a 5.93 ERA across 13 2/3 innings. Oviedo, on the other hand, is making his first start against the Reds this season but has seen them five times in his career, posting a 1-1 record with a 5.40 ERA.

Cincinnati has thrived at home with momentum on their side, but Pittsburgh just wrapped up its most home wins since 2018 and will look to carry that energy onto the road.

For a deeper dive into game lines and player props, visit the MLB odds page.

Key Players to Watch

• Bryan Reynolds, Pirates: 16 HR, steady run producer.
• Johan Oviedo, Pirates: 3.52 ERA, looking to stay unbeaten on the season.
• Elly De La Cruz, Reds: dynamic power/speed threat in the middle of the lineup.
• Brady Singer, Reds: 14 wins, consistent workhorse for Cincinnati’s rotation.

Final Projection Table

For strategy insights and postseason betting angles, check the expert MLB betting guide.