The extremely talented Baltimore Orioles will lace up the cleats in preparation for a rare inter-league clash on the diamond with the Cincinnati Reds. Don’t look now, but it is about time to take a look at our MLB odds series where our Orioles-Reds prediction and pick will be revealed.
With a 21-11 record which is good enough for the top spot in a competitive AL East, the Orioles’ future is brighter than the sun’s rays on a summer day. Currently leading the New York Yankees by one game, it was Baltimore that started off on the right foot with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Reds in the opening game of this series on Friday. Prior to that, Baltimore flexed their winning muscles by snagging three of four games over the Yankees. Responsible for continuing this winning momentum from the pitching mound will be lefty John Means who is in line to make his very first appearance of the 2024 campaign. A year ago, Means went 1-2 with a 2.66 ERA in a limited amount of outings.
Meanwhile, there is no denying that the Reds are on the rise as a team that displays a surplus of youth. Despite only being a dead-even 16-16 up to this point, Cincinnati has dropped three straight games in a recent downward slide that has made them take a long look in the mirror. Nonetheless, with so much time remaining in this season, it is important for a team to not get too high or too low. Receiving the baseball for the start in this one is scheduled to be southpaw Andrew Abbott who is 1-3 with a 3.27 ERA.
Here are the MLBÂ Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.Â
MLB Odds: Orioles-Reds Odds:
Baltimore Orioles: -1.5 (+150)
Moneyline: -102
Cincinnati Reds: +1.5 (-182)
Moneyline: -116
Over: 9 (-106)
Under: 9 (-114)
How to Watch Orioles vs. Reds
Time: 6:40 ET/3:40 PT
TV: MLB.TV
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Orioles Will Cover The Spread/Win
When looking at the bigger picture, the identity of these Baltimore Orioles happens to come in the form of a well-balanced attack that rarely falters. Whether it’s crushing the baseball when at the plate or cooking up spectacular outings from the arms of their pitchers, it is extremely difficult for opposing teams to find Baltimore on an off day.
Of course, the O’s chances of covering the spread could fall on the shoulders of John Means who will be responsible in setting the tone of this matchup beginning with the very first pitch of play. On Thursday, a masterful performance by Cole Irvin was all that was needed for the Orioles to handle business, and the hope is that Means can do a little bit of the same a mere 24 hours later. While it remains to be seen how long of a leash Means will have out there, there is no denying that he will need to be on his A game within the confines of Cincy’s home ballpark.
Why The Reds Will Cover The Spread/Win
On the other side of things, starting pitcher Andrew Abbott has endured a rollercoaster of emotions to begin his 2024 regular season, but he surely has the talent to silence Baltimore’s bats in impressive fashion.
All in all, it all begins with staying ahead of the count. Without a doubt, when Abbott finds himself struggling a bit, it is due to struggling to stay in favorable counts against opposing hitters. Regardless, Abbott has yet to put forth a back-breaking start leading to getting shelled, and his swing-and-miss stuff as of late will be something to keep an eye out for as this game progresses.
Most importantly, bettors who are planning on selecting the Reds to pull this one out can find solace in knowing that Cincy often finds ways to generate runs at the most opportunistic of times. Despite their offensive numbers not popping out on paper at first glance, they are still the 13th-highest scoring team in the league in large part due to the brilliance of international phenom Elly De La Cruz. Only 22 years of age, the mammoth of a switch-hitter already leads the club in home runs and batting average. If the Reds happen to be in the mood to play spoiler versus the Orioles and also exact revenge from their Game One loss yesterday, then De La Cruz may need to come up with some critical moments at the dish.
Final Orioles-Reds Prediction & Pick
Don’t be surprised if the Reds come out to play motivated to right their wrongs from Friday night’s loss. While the Orioles could very well end up covering the spread at -1.5, the Reds should be able to ultimately make this a ballgame.
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Final Orioles-Reds Prediction & Pick: Reds +1.5 (-182)
