Thursday, April 24, 12:35 PM on FSOH, ROOT

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Cincinnati Reds - Cingrani, T (1-2) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates - Cumpton, B (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Brandon Cumpton will be making his first start of the season for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday when they face Tony Cingrani (1-2) and the Cincinnati Reds.

Brandon Cumpton gets the start for the Pirates after going 2-0 in three strong outings in the minors this season. He gave up just three runs combined in those starts on 17 hits while striking out 11 and walking three in 19 innings. He had a 2.05 ERA in 30.2 innings in the majors last season, so he should be prepared to make his first Major League start of the 2014 season.

Zack Cozart has faced Cumpton six times so far in his career and has two hits, including one double, and a walk in those plate appearances. Jay Bruce is 1-for-4 with a home run against him.

Tony Cingrani lost for the second time last Saturday when the Chicago Cubs were able to get three runs off of him and eventually won 8-4. Cingrani went just five innings in that game and while he did just give up four hits, he also walked four. His ERA is now 3.22 on the season, but he has to lower his 5.2 walks per nine innings if he wants to stay in games longer.

Pedro Alvarez is the only Pirate who has faced Cingrani more than two times. In their three matchups, Alvarez has just one hit and two strikeouts, but his one hit was a three-run home run.

Cincinnati Reds Betting Trends

Cincinnati Reds are 10-8-1 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Cincinnati Reds is 0.6

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 10-8-2 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Cincinnati Reds

04/09/14 P Trevor Bell Elbow 15-day DL (4/08)
04/02/14 P Brett Marshall Finger 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 P Aroldis Chapman Concussion 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 3B Jack Hannahan Shoulder 60-day DL (3/30)
03/28/14 P Mat Latos Knee 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 2B Skip Schumaker Shoulder 15-day DL (3/22)

Pittsburgh Pirates

No injuries to report at this time

Josh's Pick: Take Cincinnati

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