Cincinnati Reds @ Pittsburgh Pirates - May 21, 2025

As we gear up for tonight’s matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates, it’s clear that we have some intriguing trends to unpack. Based on the data available, I believe we can expect a Reds victory with a total score surpassing the Over/Under line.

First, let’s take a look at the starting pitchers. The Pirates will send out Andrew Heaney, who has had a somewhat rocky season with a 2-3 record and an ERA of 4.2. His strikeout rate stands at about 7.3 per game, which isn’t terrible but doesn’t scream dominance either. On the other side of the diamond is Brady Singer for the Reds, boasting a solid 5-2 record with an impressive ERA of 3.6 and an elevated strikeout rate of approximately 8.3 per game. These numbers suggest that Singer has been more effective in limiting runs and generating outs through strikeouts compared to Heaney.

When we shift our focus to offensive production, it becomes even clearer why I lean towards a Reds victory tonight. The Pirates are averaging just 3 runs per game along with around 7.2 hits and nearly 3 RBIs—numbers that reflect struggles at the plate this season. Their batting average sits at .214, indicating they often struggle to make contact or find gaps in defenses.

In contrast, the Reds are performing significantly better offensively; they’re averaging about 4.6 runs per game with over 8 hits and roughly 4.4 RBIs each outing—showcasing their ability to drive in runs consistently when they get on base. Their batting average is slightly higher at .234 as well, suggesting they’re better equipped to capitalize on scoring opportunities than their opponents.

Furthermore, when you consider on-base slugging percentage—a key metric for assessing overall offensive effectiveness—the Reds hold an advantage here too (68.8%) versus the Pirates (60.9%). This difference indicates that Cincinnati not only gets on base more frequently but also tends to hit for power when they do.

Given these statistics and trends leading into tonight’s contest, I predict that Cincinnati will come out ahead against Pittsburgh while exceeding expected run totals for both teams combined—the Over seems like a safe bet given how both offenses stack up against their respective pitching matchups.

In summary, expect the Reds’ offense to shine against Heaney while Singer keeps Pirate bats quiet enough to secure a win for Cincinnati tonight!