Marlins vs Reds Prediction - MLB Picks 8/9/23

Cincinnati Reds (60-55) vs Miami Marlins (58-56)

Game Info: Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 12:35 pm (Great American Ball Park)

Graham Ashcraft (6-7) (5.18) vs Johnny Cueto (0-3) (5.32)

Betting Odds: Cincinnati Reds -105 / Miami Marlins -120 --- Over/Under: 9.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds face off on Wednesday in an MLB showdown at the Great American Ballpark. On Tuesday it was the Marlins that were able to secure the 3-2 victory.

Cueto Not the Answer

Johnny Cueto will get the start here for the Marlins, but he hasn’t been the answer for this team. Coming into this game he sits with an 0-3 record and an ERA 5.32. Over his last two starts against the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies he went 12 innings and gave up eight runs. Cueto keeps trying to get back to the Cueto of old, but it appears it’s time that he hangs up the cleats. On Sunday and Monday, the Marlins offense scored only two runs total and they need to find a way to get more offensive production going here. The Marlins offense is averaging only 4.05 runs while their pitching is giving up 4.4 runs per game. The offense is ranked 27th and that just needs to be better here, especially with Cueto on the mound.

Ashcraft Finally Turning the Corner

On the mound for the Reds will be Graham Ashcraft and although he still has a high ERA overall, he seems to be finally turning the corner. Over his last two starts he has gone 14 innings total and given up only three runs. One of those starts was against the Dodgers and he gave up three runs. The Reds are averaging 4.85 runs while their pitching 5.08 runs per game. The offense is ranked 9th while the pitching is ranked 26th.

Shane’s Free Pick

The Reds are going to have little issues in this game. Cueto has been awful the last couple of starts, and this Reds offense is going to have no issue teeing off on him here. Ashcraft also has a lot of confidence heading into this game, and he’s going to really lockdown a Marlins offense that has had issues heading into this game. Cueto is going to struggle here, and the Reds will score four or five runs off him here. The Marlins just aren’t going to have the offense to make up for a bad start from Cueto. Back the Reds on the money line to cash here.