The Cincinnati Reds are the preferred side in this matchup, and a big reason why is the advantage they hold on the mound with Chase Burns getting the ball. Burns has quickly established himself as one of the most impressive young pitchers in baseball, entering this start with a 9-1 record, a 2.00 ERA, and 102 strikeouts. He’s also won eight consecutive decisions and already dominated this Pirates lineup earlier this season, firing five scoreless innings while striking out seven.

Burns has consistently attacked hitters with premium velocity and swing-and-miss stuff, allowing very little hard contact. Against a Pittsburgh lineup that has struggled to produce runs consistently, this is another favorable matchup for the Reds’ ace to work deep into the game and keep the Pirates’ offense in check.

Offensively, Cincinnati has been the more reliable club, averaging over 4.5 runs per game while doing a solid job of manufacturing offense through timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. The Reds have shown they don’t need to rely solely on the long ball, making them a difficult lineup to navigate over nine innings.

When you combine Cincinnati’s offensive edge with the significant advantage on the mound, this sets up as an excellent spot for the Reds. Expect Chase Burns to deliver another quality outing and lead Cincinnati to another victory. Back the Reds on the moneyline as today’s Free Play.