Game Context
The Cincinnati Reds (60–57) head to Pittsburgh aiming to snap a three-game road losing streak and gain ground in the NL Wild Card race. The Pirates (51–66), though out of playoff contention, have played spoiler lately and boast a solid 34–27 home record.
This is the ninth meeting between the two clubs this season, with the series tied 4–4.
Pitching Matchup
| Team | Starting Pitcher | 2025 Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Reds | Nick Martinez (RHP) | 9–9, 4.66 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 93 K |
| Pirates | Braxton Ashcraft (RHP) | 3–2, 3.24 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 28 K |
Martinez has quietly turned a corner since mid-July, allowing two earned runs or fewer in five straight starts. He held the Pirates to one run over six innings earlier this season.
Key Players to Watch
Cincinnati Reds
- Elly De La Cruz: 24 doubles, 19 HR, 3 triples — the engine of Cincy’s offense.
- TJ Friedl: Batting .368 over his last 10 games with 4 RBI.
- Gavin Lux: 6-for-8 in the series so far, hitting .280 on the season.
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Andrew McCutchen: 16 doubles, 11 HR — veteran leadership and clutch hitting.
- Liover Peguero: 4 HR in his last 10 games.
- Spencer Horwitz: 4-for-4 lifetime vs. Martinez — a sneaky threat tonight.
Team Trends & Stats
| Category | Reds | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Last 10 Games | 4–6 (.240 BA, 4.19 ERA) | 6–4 (.256 BA, 4.95 ERA) |
| Road/Home Record | 27–31 (Away) | 34–27 (Home) |
| Record When 8+ Hits | 45–25 | 36–11 (More hits than opp.) |
| Season Series | Tied 4–4 | Tied 4–4 |
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries:
- Reds: Hunter Greene (groin), Nick Lodolo (finger), Wade Miley (flexor), among others.
- Pirates: Endy Rodriguez (elbow), Enmanuel Valdez (shoulder), Jared Jones (elbow), and more.
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds 8
Pittsburgh Pirates – 112
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, August 8, 2025
