Prop Bets: Cincinnati Reds VS Pittsburgh Pirates 2025-08-08
The Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: A Comedy of Errors (or Errors of Judgment?)
The Cincinnati Reds, still reeling from their 7-0 shutout humiliation in Game 1, take the field tonight in Pittsburgh, where the Pirates are 5-1 in their last six games against them. Let’s just say this series is shaping up to be a one-sided joke—unless you’re a fan of baseball’s version of a roast.
The Pitching Matchup: A Tale of Two Struggles
Cincinnati’s Chase Burns (0-3, 6.04 ERA) faces Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller (5-10, 3.89 ERA). Burns, who’s allowed 7 runs in 6 innings this season, is about as reliable as a broken umbrella in a hurricane. Keller, meanwhile, has a 3.89 ERA but has walked 4.5 batters per 9 innings—because nothing says “dominance” like free passes. The implied probability from the moneyline (-110 for Pirates, +100 for Reds) suggests Pittsburgh is the favorite, but let’s be honest: this is a coin flip with a 50% chance of landing on “humiliation.”
Prop Bets to Wager on (and Why They’re Hilariously Obvious)
- TJ Friedl (Reds): Over 0.5 hits (-260). Friedl has hits in 9 straight games. If he doesn’t get a hit, the Reds might collectively quit.
- Elly De La Cruz (Reds): Over 0.5 hits (-250). He’s a .300 hitter—so unless he’s playing for the Pirates, this is a lock.
- Mitch Keller (Pirates): Over 4.5 strikeouts (-155). Keller’s strikeout rate is 6.5 per 9 innings. He’ll either K 5 or the Pirates’ manager will bench him.
- Chase Burns (Reds): Over 7.5 strikeouts (-142). Burns strikes out 6.2 per 9 innings. This is a “will he or won’t he?” bet for a pitcher who’s as consistent as a toddler’s nap schedule.
The Over/Under: 7.5 Runs (Even Odds)
With both teams scoring 5.2 runs per game this season, the Over is a no-brainer. The Reds’ offense is a leaky faucet (they scored 3 runs in Game 1), but Pittsburgh’s bullpen has a 5.12 ERA. Expect a fireworks show—just not the kind that involves pyrotechnics.
Final Prediction
The Pirates win 6-3, with Keller surviving 5 innings and Burns exiting early after a wild pitch hits the umpire. Prop Pick of the Night: Bet Over 0.5 doubles for Elly De La Cruz (-300). If he doesn’t double, he’ll triple. Or maybe he’ll just quit. Either way, it’s entertainment.
Key Stat to Mock: The Reds have scored 2 runs in their last 3 games. That’s less than the number of times you’ve seen your ex this month.
Final Score Prediction: Pirates 7, Reds 4. And yes, the Reds will leave 8 runners on base. It’s their thing.
Created: Aug. 8, 2025, 7:29 p.m. GMT