Cincinnati Reds vs. San Diego Padres May 2 Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Reds (12-17) have now dropped two games in a row after an impressive five-game winning streak. The team will hope to rebound Tuesday in the second game of a three-game series against the San Diego Padres (16-14). San Diego defeated the Reds 8-3 on Monday night.

First pitch for Tuesday night's game is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. Let's take a look at the starting pitchers and expected starting lineups, and Ohio sportsbook promos.

Starting Pitchers

Graham Ashcraft (CIN) - The ace of the Reds’ staff this season, Ashcraft is 2-0 with a 2.10 ERA and 1.17 WHIP through 30 innings pitched. He’s coming off of a strong start against the Texas Rangers in which he allowed just three hits and two earned runs in six innings and has gone at least five innings in each of his five starts this season.

Michael Wacha (SDP) - It hasn’t gone as well for Wacha, a 31-year-old righty in his first season with the Padres. Wacha is 2-1 with a 6.75 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 25.1 innings pitched. He was decent in his last start against the Chicago Cubs, but allowed 21 hits in just 8.1 innings pitched over his prior two starts.

Reds Betting Preview

The Reds got eight hits against Blake Snell last night but left runners stranded and didn’t get a good outing from Luke Weaver or the bullpen. Cincinnati’s pitchers gave up 16 hits in total. On the season, Cincinnati has a 5.05 ERA, which ranks 26th in MLB. They’re also bottom-five in WHIP (1.52) and opponents’ batting average (.281)

At the plate, Cincinnati has been hitting decently for average but lacks power in its lineup. They have just 20 home runs this season, which is T26th in MLB. Joey Votto, who has missed all season due to a shoulder injury, would help in that regard but there’s still no timetable for his return.

Padres Betting Preview

San Diego figures to be a World Series contender this season, although it hasn’t exactly been a dominant start. Despite their all-star lineup, they rank just T18th in runs (4.3) and T23rd in hits (7.7) per game. They’re only top-10 in one offensive category, with 36 home runs on the season. Xander Boegarts is the team leader with six home runs, and 22 runs scored. 

The Padres, however, have won three games in a row and are 7-3 in their last 10 games. They’re 8-8 at PETCO Park this season.

Reds vs. Padres Betting Odds and Prediction

San Diego is a -200 ML favorite with a -1.5 (+105) runline. The Reds are +170 underdogs with a +1.5 (-125) runline. The over/under is 8.5.

The Padres are just 7-9 against the spread (ATS) at home, while the Reds are 8-6 ATS on the road. Factor in Ashcraft on the mound for Cincinnati and Wacha, who has struggled, pitching for San Diego and the Reds +1.5 (-125) is a good value bet for any betting sites in Ohio.