Reds vs Red Sox Prediction – MLB Picks 6/1/23

The Boston Red Sox will host the Cincinnati Reds for their interleague series finale this Thursday from Fenway Park on NESN. Cincinnati used a big seventh inning to take game two, 5-4. 

Reds Betting Preview

Cincinnati moved to 26-29 after defeating Boston. The Reds got the best of the Red Sox last night, and they’ll look to complete their second straight road sweep. The Cincinnati offense is scoring 3.78 runs per game, while batting .257, with a .334 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.96 ERA, with a 1.46 WHIP. Jonathan India has collected a hit in seven of the last nine games, and he leads Cincy in hits (59) and runs scored (45). Spencer Steer homered in last night’s win, and he’s up to splits of .288/7/26. Jake Fraley has recorded a run in two of the last three games, and he’s up to a team-high 35 RBI.

Hunter Greene (1-4, 4.18 ERA, 51 Ks) will get the call for Cincinnati. The second-year flamethrower pitched a gem last week at Wrigley against the Cubs, tossing eleven strikeouts over six shutout innings to earn his first win of the season. Greene has been inconsistent when it comes to containing runs, but he does fan batters at a high rate, clearing eight strikeouts in four of his last six starts. 

Red Sox Betting Preview

Boston moved to 28-27 after losing to Boston. The Red Sox have two separate four-game skids this month, and they’ll look to get back into the win column this weekend. The Boston offense is 4.76 scoring runs per game, while batting .264, with a .334 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.75 ERA, with a 1.32 WHIP. Alex Verdugo has multiple hits in three of the last four games, and he leads the team in hits (58) and runs (38). Rafael Devers has produced runs in both games against Cincy, and he leads the Sox in HR (13) and RBI (47). Masataka Yoshida has collected multiple hits in each of the last four games, and he’s posting solid splits of .317/6/30.

Chris Sale (5-2, 4.72 ERA, 65 Ks) will get the ball for Boston. The longtime Sox pitcher had a successful road coast trip, earning a pair of victories over Arizona and San Diego. Sale delivered four straight quality starts prior to getting the win in Phoenix last time out, and he’s tossed eight strikeouts in three of his last four starts. 

Cincinnati vs Boston Trends

Cincinnati is 33-22 against the spread this season, with a 31-24-1 O/U record. Boston is 28-27 ATS this year, with a 32-21-2 over/under record.

Corey’s Free Pick

Cincinnati is streaking right now, but they’re about to face an uphill battle with Chris Sale at home. Boston is in the midst of a three-game skid, and a strong performance from Sale could bring an end to that. Hunter Greene has been volatile at times this season, and this spot at Fenway against an angry Sox team could give him trouble. Both pitchers have a chance to clear their pitcher prop, but back Boston to avoid the sweep and close this battle of Red with a victory.

Corey Ghee's Pick: Red Sox ML