The Pirates are on a two-game losing streak, but they have their ace on the mound to begin the series against the Reds.
Paul Skenes will pitch at home tonight in what marks the beginning of a four-game series against Cincinnati. The second-year starter is arguably the best pitcher in baseball and will look to get the Pirates back on track.
Pittsburgh is a -171 moneyline favorite, and the game total is set at over/under seven runs on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Reds are +140 underdogs.
Here are my favorite Skenes prop bets for Thursday’s Pirates vs. Reds game.
Best Paul Skenes Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Paul Skenes to record 8+ strikeouts (+125)
It’s promo time at DraftKings Sportbook! Skenes’ original line to record 8+ strikeouts is set at -115, but there is a boost that makes it +125 for tonight’s game against the Reds.
Skenes is coming off a tough outing against the Rockies in which he allowed four earned runs across five innings. Still, he struck out eight, hitting this mark for the eighth time this season.
The 23-year-old has recorded at least eight strikeouts in eight of his 23 starts this year. It’ll be his first start against the Reds this season, but he had nine, nine and seven strikeouts in his three starts against Cincinnati last year.
The Reds fall in the bottom third of teams in strikeouts per game, making this an even better opportunity for Skenes. He’s unlikely to have two poor performances in back-to-back games, so it’s wise to bet on a bounce back.
Skenes should torch the Reds and tally at least eight strikeouts.