Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 2:13 am GMT
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds are set to clash in a pivotal matchup at Great American Ball Park (GABP) on Saturday, September 21, 2024. As both teams struggle in the National League Central, this three-game weekend series carries significant implications for their season and standings within the division. With a combined win-loss record of 145-160, the stakes are high as this late-season encounter could determine which team finishes last in the division.
A Look at the Teams
- Cincinnati Reds Record: 74 wins, 79 losses
- Pittsburgh Pirates Record: 71 wins, 81 losses
- Game Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
- Game Time: 6:40 PM ET
- Broadcast: SportsNet Pittsburgh
The Reds find themselves sitting in fourth place in the National League Central, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 14.5 games. The Pirates, unfortunately, are in last place, 16 games behind the division leaders. This weekend series serves as Cincinnati’s final home games of the season, adding an extra layer of excitement as fans rally for their team to avoid finishing last for another year.
Team Performance Overview
Both teams have faced challenges this season, reflected in their statistics.
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Batting Average: .236
- Home Runs: 146
- Runs Batted In (RBIs): 611
- Runs Scored: 633
- On-Base Percentage (OBP): .302
- Slugging Percentage: .371
- Pitching ERA: 4.15 (20th in MLB)
- Strikeouts: 1,267
The Pirates have had significant difficulties at the plate, ranking 22nd in runs scored. Their pitching staff has logged a collective WHIP (walks and hits per inning) of 1.32, often allowing home runs and runs against.
Cincinnati Reds
- Batting Average: .233
- Home Runs: 169
- Runs Batted In (RBIs): 641
- Runs Scored: 675
- On-Base Percentage (OBP): .306
- Slugging Percentage: .394
- Pitching ERA: 4.09 (15th in MLB)
- Strikeouts: 1,302
The Reds have exhibited a bit more power with 169 home runs but have also struggled to convert opportunities into runs, reflected in their average. Their pitching has been more efficient, with a slightly better ERA compared to the Pirates, giving them the edge in this matchup.
Matchup Spotlight: Pitching Duel
The game features an intriguing pitching duel that could be pivotal in determining the outcome.
- Jared Jones (Pirates)
– Career Record: 6-7
– Earned Run Average (ERA): 3.85
– Whip: 1.151
– Strikeouts: 120 in 112 innings
Jones has shown steady performance on the mound throughout his career. He will be critical in preventing the Reds from capitalizing on their home-field advantage.
- Rhett Lowder (Reds)
– Career Record: 1-2
– Earned Run Average (ERA): 1.78
– Whip: 1.287
Lowder has been a bright spot in the Reds’ pitching staff, showcasing a solid command and limiting runs, which could bode well for Cincinnati as they seek a win against their divisional rivals.
Betting Insights
As both teams approach the final stretch of the regular season, betting interests on this matchup are heating up. Current odds indicate that it’s a competitive game, but various analysts recommend taking Pittsburgh for potential profit.
Betting Trends
- Pittsburgh’s First Inning Scoring: 16% of games on the road.
- Cincinnati’s First Inning Scoring: 24% at home.
Given that both teams struggle to score early, this matchup might favor an under bet. Experts suggest monitoring the odds closely, particularly for first-inning outcomes, as many anticipate a defensive mismatch instead of an offensive explosion.
Conclusion
The showdown between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds at GABP promises to be a gripping battle, not only for division standings but also for pride as the season winds down. With both teams vying to not finish last, players and fans alike will be eager for a victory on Saturday night. As the weather cools, so too does the competitive atmosphere; which team will come out on top and claim a critical win as the 2024 season approaches its conclusion?
With both Jared Jones and Rhett Lowder taking the mound, this matchup showcases potential highlights for the fans and could be a deciding factor in the ongoing rivalry between these two storied franchises.
Exciting games like this one make the rivalry between the Reds and Pirates even stronger. They really show what makes playing baseball in the MLB so thrilling!
