Reds vs Red Sox Prediction & Best Bet (May 31)

Wednesday, May 31’s MLB schedule includes the second matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox in as many nights. After Tuesday’s collision was filled with fireworks from beginning to end, only time will tell if tonight’s Reds vs Red Sox showdown brings the same level of excitement.

Exhale… #ATOBTTR!

FINAL: Reds 9, Red Sox 8!

Celebrate at your neighborhood @Skyline_Chili! pic.twitter.com/pVfVHtuaZb

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 31, 2023

The two sides combined for 17 runs as the Reds picked up a 9-8 victory over the Red Sox last night. Even though the road team got the win, it could be argued that momentum is on Boston’s side after Cincinnati was up 8-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.

Here’s a look at everything you know heading into tonight’s Reds vs Red Sox showdown, from the latest betting odds to a prediction with the best betting recommendation, courtesy of Betting News.

Cincinnati Reds vs Boston Red Sox Game Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Cincinnati Reds (25-29, 11-15 Away) vs. Boston Red Sox (28-26, 15-12Home)
• Venue & Location: Fenway Park (Boston, Massachusetts)
• Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2023
• Game Time: 7:10 p.m. Eastern Time
• Reds vs Red Sox TV Info: ESPN+, New England Sports Network, Bally Sports Midwest, MLB Extra Innings

Reds vs Red Sox Game Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline as of Wednesday, May 31 at 9:47 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Cincinnati Reds +1.5 (-126)
• Boston Red Sox -1.5 (+105)

Over/Under

• Over 10.5 Runs (-108)
• Under 10.5 Runs (-112)

Moneyline

• Cincinnati Reds +146
• Boston Red Sox -174

Reds vs Red Sox Starting Pitchers

• Reds: Luke Weaver (7 starts — 1-2, 5.45 ERA)
• Red Sox: James Paxton (3 starts —1-1, 5.14 ERA)

Reds vs Red Sox Betting Trends

• Cincinnati is 3-11 straight up in its last 14 games against Boston.
• Boston is 1-5 straight up in its last six games against the NL Central.
• The total has hit the over in each of Cincinnati’s last five road games.
• The total has hit the over in nine of Boston’s last 11 home games.
• The total has hit the under in six of the last seven Cincinnati-Boston matchups at Fenway Park.

Reds vs Red Sox Game Preview

Tuesday night’s victory was a big one for the Reds as it marked their four consecutive win. They’re now occupying the No. 3 spot in the NL Central, sitting three games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for first place. In other words, a victory is necessary tonight to help further close the gap.

The good news for the Reds is that winning tonight, despite their underdog status, is doable as long as their offense doesn’t slow down. After all, they’ve scored at least eight runs in each of the games on their winning streak.

The bad news is that the Red Sox have had the Reds’ number more often than not in recent years. Cincinnati’s latest win was a rare one considering that it has lost 11 of its last 14 matchups with Boston. On top of that, Cincy is only averaging 3.2 runs per game on its last 10 trips to Fenway Park.

Nevertheless, don’t count the Reds’ batters out just yet. The Red Sox have struggled to limit opposing attacks in their own backyard, allowing 9.19 hits (sixth-worst in MLB) and 5.63 runs (fourth-worst) per game with a .258 batting average (sixth-worst) at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox’s home struggles will continue if starting pitcher James Paxton can’t turn things around. The oft-injured hurler has struggled to begin the campaign, tallying a 5.14 ERA through his first three starts. He’s also coming off his worst start of the season, having given up two homers and five runs on four hits over just three innings on May 24.

"Sometimes you just don't have it."

James Paxton on his 3.0 IP performance against the Angels. #RedSox | https://t.co/jyk3EsbxuY pic.twitter.com/q8fDFOc3eV

— NESN (@NESN) May 25, 2023

On the other hand, it isn’t like Reds starter Luke Weaver has been that much better. The 29-year-old veteran is 1-2 with a 5.45 ERA and 1.368 WHIP through nine starts. He also hasn’t been credited with the victory in each of his last three outings.

At the same time, Weaver did look impressive at times in his most recent outing last week. Going up against the St. Louis Cardinals, the former 2014 first-rounder last 6 1/3 innings, only giving up three hits without a run while striking out six batters. If he’s able to build off that performance, Weaver could give the Red Sox issues.

Another reason why the pitching matchup is in the Reds’ favor is due to their success against left-handed arms. They’re an impressive 12-6 against southpaws in 2023, whereas the Red Sox are just 16-20 against righties.

Reds vs Red Sox Game Prediction and Picks

Reds vs Red Sox Prediction: Reds 6, Red Sox 5

Reds vs Red Sox: Reds +1.5 (Best Value: -126 at BetOnline) & Reds to Score Over 4.5 Runs (Best Value: +100 at BetOnline)

Although the Red Sox ended last night’s game as the hotter team, I like the Reds winning tonight. Cincinnati thrives against left-handed pitchers and will capitalize on Paxton’s latest struggles. David Bell’s club is also getting run production from the top to bottom of its lineup, which can’t be said for a Boston team that’s averaging just 2.88 runs in its last eight outings.

Another good Reds vs Red Sox bet is to take the over on Cincinnati’s 4.5-run total. The Reds have scored five or more runs in seven of their previous eight games — including the last four in a row. With Paxton struggling and the Red Sox allowing the fourth-most runs per game at home, there’s no reason to doubt the Reds’ attack tonight.

Other Cincinnati vs Boston Resources

• Reds vs Red Sox Consensus Picks, Score Projections & Betting Stats

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