Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction 8/1/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds will meet on Saturday night in the third game of a four‑game National League Central series at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates enter Saturday’s contest with a 55–56 overall record (3rd in the National League Central) and a 26–28 mark on the road. The Pirates offense has been competitive to this point in the season. Through 111 games played in 2026, Pittsburgh has compiled 572 runs scored (2nd in MLB), 176 doubles, 139 home runs and a .260 team batting average which ranks second in Major League Baseball.

The Pirates arrive at this evening’s game on the heels of a four-game losing streak, including a 3-0 shutout loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this week.

Pittsburgh will turn to right hander Braxton Ashcraft in this game. In 21 starts made this season, Ashcraft has compiled a 10–4 win‑loss record, a 4.05 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and a massive 135 strikeouts, while allowing 115 hits and 30 walks in 122.1 innings pitched. Braxton Ashcraft arrives at this contest in subpar form, allowing four or more earned runs in three straight starts made in 2026. Ashcraft will look to rebound from his recent poor performances on the mound in today’s matchup with the Cincinnati Reds.

The Pittsburgh Pirates lineup features second baseman Brandon Lowe and outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Lowe has tallied 23 home runs (13th in MLB), 71 RBIs (10th in MLB), 41 walks, 25 doubles and an .817 OPS. Bryan Reynolds has compiled a .268 batting average and 15 home runs.   

Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Reds enter Saturday night’s matchup with a 52–57 overall record (5th in the National League Central) and a 25–30 mark at home. Cincinnati has played good baseball recently, winning three of the team’s last four games played this season, including a 2–0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians last week.

Cincinnati will start left hander Andrew Abbott in tonight’s game. In 22 starts made in 2026, Abbott has compiled a 5–6 record, a 3.85 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP and 94 strikeouts, while allowing 108 hits and 54 walks in 117 innings pitched. Andrew Abbott has pitched well recently, allowing two or fewer earned runs in his last two starts made this season.

The Cincinnati Reds lineup features Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz has compiled a .279 batting average, 18 home runs, 48 RBIs and an .866 OPS. First baseman Sal Stewart enters this contest with 23 home runs (20th in MLB), 50 walks, 84 RBIs (2nd in MLB) and an .811 OPS.       

Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win.

• Offensive upside. Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds continue to anchor the Pirates lineup.

• Starting pitching. In 21 starts made this season, Braxton Ashcraft has compiled a 10–4 win‑loss record, a 4.05 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and a massive 135 strikeouts in 122.1 innings pitched.

• Motivation factor. The Pittsburgh Pirates arrive at this contest on the heels of a four-game losing streak.

Why the Cincinnati Reds will win.

• Starting pitching.  In 22 starts made in 2026, Andrew Abbott has compiled a 5–6 record, a 3.85 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP and 94 strikeouts in 117 innings pitched.

• Current form. The Reds have won three of the team’s last four games.

• Offensive production. Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart provide a strong core to the Cincinnati Reds lineup.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction

In my opinion, this matchup favors the Cincinnati Reds. Why? Cincinnati starting pitcher Andrew Abbott has pitched well recently, allowing two or fewer earned runs in two straight starts made this season. Conversely, Pittsburgh hurler Braxton Ashcraft arrives at this contest in subpar form, allowing four or more earned runs in three straight starts made in 2026. With that said, the Cincinnati Reds are the side to be on in this one. I am backing the Cincinnati Reds on the moneyline in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Cincinnati Reds ML