Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

There is only one reason why the Pirates are massive road favorites against the Reds: Paul Skenes. He was dominant last season with a 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts in 187.2 innings. Yet Pittsburgh was just 10-10 in games he started. Skenes didn't look just mortal in his opening start this season; he was downright bad. Skenes did not make it out of the first inning on Opening Day against the Mets. Skenes allowed four hits and five earned runs with two walks and one strikeout on 37 pitches. The Pirates went 71–91 last season, including 27–54 on the road. Pittsburgh is 2-3 this season. The Reds were 83–79 last season, including 45–36 at home. They are 3-2 this year and starting lefty Andrew Abbott. He compiled a 10–7 record, 2.87 ERA, and 149 strikeouts in 166.1 innings pitched last season. Abbott went 6.0 innings, allowed seven hits and no runs on 83 pitches against Boston in his first start this season. The Reds won that game, 3-0. Cincinnati is the superior team with a number of young stars - Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and rookie Sal Stewart, who is hitting .563. Take the Reds.