The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates continue their four-game NL Central series this evening at PNC Park.
My Reds vs. Pirates predictions will focus on Nick Martinez, who has found some consistency as of late for Cincy.
Read more for my MLB picks for Saturday, August 9.
Reds vs Pirates prediction
Reds vs Pirates best bet: Nick Martinez Under 2.5 earned runs (-145 at Bet99)
At first glance, Nick Martinez’s numbers do not look great. He’s 9-9 in 25 appearances with a 4.66 ERA.
However, after struggling for most of the campaign, the right-hander has really started to find his best stuff since mid-July.
Martinez has cashed the Under in earned runs allowed in five consecutive starts, allowing two earned runs in every outing.
While that didn’t always result in a win due to a lack of run support from the Cincinnati Reds’ offense, Martinez certainly kept his team in each game.
When it comes to facing the Pittsburgh Pirates, Martinez held them to one earned run across six frames earlier this season.
Overall, the Bucs are hitting .288 against him across 66 at-bats. Last year, the 35-year-old also posted a 1.86 ERA versus the Pirates across three appearances.
He’ll put together another quality start here.
Reds vs Pirates same-game parlay (SGP)
Nick Martinez Under 2.5 earned runs
Spencer Horwitz Over 0.5 hits
Gavin Lux Over 1.5 total bases
As previously mentioned, the Bucs have had a bit of success against Martinez. The one hitter who has absolutely raked off him is Spencer Horwitz. The 27-year-old is by no means an offensive force, but he’s 4-for-4 lifetime versus the Reds starter.
Horwitz has cashed the Over in hits in four of his last six contests, hitting .296 through August so far. After going hitless on Friday, I expect him to bounce back here and continue his torrid streak against Martinez.
Gavin Lux has been a wonderful pickup for the Reds. He’s hitting .280 in 2025, evidently finding a home after the offseason trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lux is red-hot in this series, going 6 for 8 through the first two games.
He was 3-for-4 on Thursday and replicated that performance on Friday, cashing the Over in total bases in both appearances. He’s never faced Bucs reliever Braxton Ashcraft who gets the start tonight, but I’ll take Lux’s hot bat to keep it rolling.
Reds vs Pirates odds
Reds vs Pirates live odds
Reds vs Pirates opening odds
- Moneyline: Cincinnati -110 | Pittsburgh -110
- Run line: Cincinnati -1.5 (+150) | Pittsburgh +1.5 (-180)
- Over/Under: Over 8 (-115) | Under 8 (-105)
Reds vs Pirates trend
The Cincinnati Reds have hit the Game Total Under in 53 of their last 84 games (+23.55 Units / 25% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Reds vs. Pirates.
How to watch Reds vs Pirates and game info
| Location | PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Saturday, August 9, 2025 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSNOH, SNP |
| Reds starting pitcher | Nick Martinez (9-9, 4.66 ERA) |
| Pirates starting pitcher | Braxton Ashcraft (3-2, 3.24 ERA) |
Reds vs Pirates latest injuries
Reds vs Pirates weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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