Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction, Odds, and Game Preview – September 25, 2025

Thursday, September 25th, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds: Game Preview and Key Matchups

The Cincinnati Reds (80-78, third in the NL Central) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (69-89, fifth in the NL Central) at Great American Ball Park for a crucial late-season matchup. With both teams aiming to finish strong, the 13th meeting of the year between these division rivals is set to break the current season series tie at 6-6.

Pitching Matchup

The Pirates will send Braxton Ashcraft (4-3, 2.62 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 66 strikeouts) to the mound. Ashcraft has been reliable this season, keeping opposing offenses in check with his consistency and low ERA.

Opposing him will be Nick Lodolo for the Reds (8-8, 3.44 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 144 strikeouts). Lodolo’s strikeout ability and control have made him a key asset for Cincinnati provided he remains healthy down the stretch.

Team Performance and Series Overview

Cincinnati boasts a strong home record (44-36) and has performed well when keeping the ball in the park, going 30-19 in games without allowing a home run. However, they are coming off a narrow 4-3 loss to the Pirates, even with Tyler Stephenson recording four hits.

Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has struggled on the road (25-52) and in games where they have given up a home run (25-61). The Pirates will look to capitalize on their recent momentum after their tight win on Wednesday.

Top Players to Watch

For Cincinnati, Elly De La Cruz stands out with 21 home runs, 66 walks, and 85 RBI while maintaining a .266 batting average. Tyler Stephenson is on a hot streak, going 10-for-34 with two doubles, four home runs, and 11 RBI in the past 10 games.

On the Pirates' side, Oneil Cruz leads the team in home runs with 20 and posts a .381 slugging percentage. Jared Triolo has contributed recently with two home runs and four RBI over his last 10 games.

Recent Form

The Reds are 6-4 in their last 10 games with a .225 batting average and a solid 3.00 team ERA, outscoring their opponents by eight runs during this span.

The Pirates are 5-5 in their last 10, hitting .220 with an impressive 2.47 team ERA and a plus-seven run differential.

Injuries

Reds Injury Updates

Rhett Lowder (forearm), Ian Gibaut (shoulder), Wade Miley (flexor), Carson Spiers (shoulder), Tyler Callihan (forearm), Brandon Williamson (elbow), and Julian Aguiar (elbow) remain on the 60-Day Injured List. Austin Hays is day-to-day with a back issue.

Pirates Injury Updates

Oneil Cruz (ankle) and Joey Bart (wrist) are day-to-day. Ronny Simon (shoulder), Endy Rodriguez (elbow), Enmanuel Valdez (shoulder), and Jared Jones (elbow) are on the 60-Day Injured List.

Weather

Today at Great American Ball Park, expect mild baseball weather with temperatures around 72°F under partly cloudy skies. There’s a low 10% chance of precipitation, so rain delays are unlikely. A gentle west wind at 8 mph may subtly influence fly balls. Enjoy comfortable conditions for the game.

In summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds will face off in a tightly contested division showdown to decide the season series. With standout pitching from Braxton Ashcraft and Nick Lodolo, along with strong performances by Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Oneil Cruz, expect a competitive matchup. Both teams are factoring in recent injuries, but mild weather sets the stage for an exciting afternoon of baseball in Cincinnati.

MLB Schedules

Today's MLB Games

There are no baseball games today.

Tomorrow's MLB Games

There are no baseball games tomorrow.

Yesterday's MLB Games

There were no baseball games yesterday.