Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Picks and Prediction, Saturday, May 2, 2026
Use Code WWWC Cincinnati (20-11) will be trying to increase their lead in the NL Central when they visit PNC Park on Saturday afternoon to face Pittsburgh (16-16) in the second game of their three-game series at 4:05 PM. Et. Read on to find out which team picks up the win in this Reds vs. Pirates prediction. Don’t go down on strikes! Get our top MLB Predictions and increase your bankroll!
Rhett Lowder, 3-1, 3.18 ERA, will get the start for the Reds. The Pirates will counter with Carmen Mlodzinski, 1-2, 4.13 ERA.
Pittsburgh is 6-4 in its last 10 games against Cincinnati.
**This preview was written before Friday’s game was played.**
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
Reds Trying To Stay Hot
The Reds have been one of the best teams in the league over the past couple of weeks, and they’ve won nine of their last 12 games. They will try to keep the momentum going and pick up their third straight road series win when they play on Saturday.
Cincinnati averages 4.29 runs per game, which is 18th in the league. Their .220 batting average is 30th in the league. Their .311 on base percentage is 23rd, while their .388 slugging percentage is 15th.
Elly De La Cruz leads the Reds with a .282 batting average and 10 home runs, while Sal Stewart leads the team with 29 RBI.
Cincinnati is giving up 4.39 runs per game, which is 13th in the league. Opponents have a .247 batting average against the Reds, which is 20th in the league. Their 4.02 ERA is 13th, while their 1.43 WHIP is 24th.
In his last start, Lowder gave up six hits and two runs in five innings, leading to an 8-3 loss to Detroit. He is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in one game against Pittsburgh.
Pirates Trying To Bounce Back From Series Loss
The Pirates followed up their series win over the Brewers with a four-game sweep at the hands of the Cardinals. They will try to bounce back from the series loss with a win over the Reds.
Pittsburgh averages 4.78 runs per game, which is 10th in the league. Their .244 batting average is 13th in the league. Their .326 on base percentage is 12th, while their .377 slugging percentage is 22nd.
Nick Gonzales leads Pittsburgh with a .317 batting average, while Oneil Cruz leads the team with nine home runs and 26 RBI.
Pittsburgh is giving up 4.41 runs per game, which is 13th in the league. Opponents have a .225 batting average against the Pirates, which is sixth in the league. Their 3.82 ERA is eighth, while their 1.27 WHIP is ninth.
In his last start, Mlodzinski gave up five hits and five runs in 3.2 innings, leading to a 5-0 loss to Milwaukee. He is 0-2 with a 3.45 ERA against the Reds.
Reds vs. Pirates Picks
Money Line Pick for Reds vs. Pirates
- Cincinnati Reds ML (4 Units)
The Reds have the edge here because they’re playing well offensively on the road, scoring at least five runs in four of their last five road games. They will play well offensively in this game because they’re facing Mlodzinski, who has been shaky on the mound in recent starts, giving up 10 runs in his last two starts. With Pittsburgh’s bullpen struggling in recent games, they will have a hard time slowing down the Reds.
Pittsburgh will have a hard time keeping up offensively because they haven’t been as good as the Reds, and they’re going up against Lowder, who gave up six runs in his last three road starts. He didn’t give up a run in his lone start against the Pirates and will keep their offense in check. Take Cincinnati on the money line.
Over/Under Pick for Reds vs. Pirates
- Over (4 Units)
The Reds average 4.29 runs per game. They’re batting .223 against right-handers, and they’re facing a starter who gave up 10 runs in his last two starts. The Pirates average 4.78 runs per game. They’re batting .244 against right-handers, and they’re facing a starter who gave up six runs in his last three starts. Expect these teams to score enough runs to push the score over the total.
Never Tried Winners and Whiners? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code DOLLAR
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
- Check out more MLB predictions
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
