Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates prediction, pick for 4/22: Buccos have wind at their backs

Yardbarker Quick Pick

The Pirates have won five straight, including four by multiple runs, so we're going with Pittsburgh to win by multiple runs (-1, +135) once again on Saturday. Cincinnati has struggled to score consistently and the Bucs' starting staff has been a pleasant surprise (fifth best in the NL). This could be a close cover, but betting against the Bucs right now is a big mistake. — Jared Shlensky, Yardbarker

These Reds-Pirates odds may already have changed ... in YOUR favor! Get LIVE updates on OddsChecker!

Saturday, 6:35 p.m. ET
Cincinnati Reds: +1 (-110) runline, +135 moneyline, over 9 (-108)
@ Pittsburgh Pirates: -1 (-108) runline, -148 moneyline, under 9 (+100)

Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out our FREE bets page

After several years as also-rans, the Pirates need just one win Saturday or Sunday to clinch their fourth series win, with one split, out of seven this year. Their starting pitchers have posted quality starts in 11 straight games.

Pirates closer David Bednar registered saves in each of the first two games in this series and has a National League-leading seven for the season.

"It's everybody coming to the yard to compete every day and having fun," Bednar told AT&T Sportsnet. "We're having fun with it."

And dreaming big.

"We have no egos," added Pittsburgh reliever Colin Holderman, who set up Bednar the past two games. "Everyone's all in on one mission, and that's to win the Central (Division)."

The Reds, meanwhile, are expecting to ride a stable of young players this season, but there have been some growing pains. They have lost four in a row and five of six.

Cincinnati managed just two runs on five hits and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position on Friday. Manager David Bell attributed that to the latest Pirates starter to go six strong innings, Mitch Keller.

"We've seen Mitch Keller a lot. That might have been the best stuff we've seen him have," Bell said. "I know he's a good pitcher, but really good stuff. It made it tough."

On Saturday, Cincinnati right-hander Luis Cessa (0-2, 13.50 ERA) is slated to oppose the next Pittsburgh starter looking to extend the quality-start streak, left-hander Rich Hill (1-2, 5.57).

Cessa earned a bit of history in his most recent start, but not the kind he would have wanted. In the Reds' 14-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, he became the fifth pitcher since 1900 to allow at least nine runs in the first inning, then pitch into the fourth, according to the team.

"I think it was the worst inning of my career," Cessa said.

Whether there will be any carryover remains to be seen.

"Every player goes through days like that, but it's tough because these guys are trying to perform for their team," Bell said. "They are trying to perform for themselves and their family. You have an inning like that, it's hard to swallow."

In total in that game, Cessa allowed 11 runs and 14 hits -- both career highs -- while facing 27 batters. He walked three without getting a strikeout.

Cessa is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in nine career games, two starts, against Pittsburgh.

In his most recent start, Hill got his first win with the Pirates. On Monday at Colorado, he gave up one run on six hits in six innings, with seven strikeouts and two walks.

Hill is 5-4 with a 3.61 ERA in 15 career appearances, 13 starts, against Cincinnati. That includes an April 1 loss at Cincinnati when he allowed three runs in five innings.