The Cincinnati Reds will take on the Milwaukee Brewers for the second installment of their four-game series. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Reds – Brewers prediction and pick.

In the opening match of this series, the Brewers earned a 5-3 victory thanks to an Avisail Garcia two-run homer in the eighth inning. However, expect David Bell and his men to bounce back as they look to tie up the series.

Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Reds-Brewers odds.

MLB Odds: Reds-Brewers Odds

Cincinnati Reds +1.5 (-196)

Milwaukee Brewers +1.5 (+171)

Over 9 Runs (+100)

Under 9 Runs (-120)

Why The Reds Could Cover The Spread

The Reds are 39-48 against the run line this season. However, after a loss, that number becomes even worse, as they cover only 46.3% when losing their previous game.

Cincinnati plans to give Wade Miley his 16th start of the season. The left-hander is 6-4 on the year and has a 3.06 ERA. In his last start, he pitched 6.2 innings, where he allowed 10 hits and two earned runs.

The Reds are first in the National League with 729 hits this season and rank fifth in the majors in RBI with 406.

Individually for the Reds, Jesse Winker leads the team with 19 home runs. However, Nick Castellanos has been the most consistent hitter. He has 108 hits this season, ranking him second in the league amongst qualified hitters.

The Reds will need to continue their production from the plate in order to tie up the series and close the gap in the National League Central.

Why The Brewers Could Cover The Spread

The Brewers are phenomenal against the run line. They have covered 56.2% of the time this season, and after a win, they are 29-23 against the run line.

Milwaukee plans to start Eric Lauer on the mound. The lefty is 3-3 on the year and has an ERA of 4.11. He has won his last two starts and has only allowed one earned run in his last 12 innings pitched.

The Brewers do not have as strong a lineup as the Reds. They are second from last in the NL for hits and are 21st in wRC+. However, they have averaged eight runs in their last seven home games.

For the Brewers to take a 2-0 lead against the Reds, they will need Lauer to continue his recent form and remain efficient on the bump.

Final Reds – Brewers Prediction & Pick

Despite the fact that the Reds have a more productive batting lineup, their performance drops significantly when facing lefties. According to the SportsBookwire, they rank in the bottom six of the league against left-handed pitchers in wRC+, wOBA, and OPS. In addition, the Brewers are 16-4 straight up in their last 20 home games.

For those reasons, the Brewers will defeat the Reds for the second straight time.

FINAL PICK: Brewers ML (-118)