The Ohio Cup is set to resume this evening at Progressive Field. The Reds (23-21), despite a solid start to the season, find themselves at the bottom of the NL Central. It’s the opposite story for the Guardians (24-21), first place in the lackluster AL Central. Both Cincinnati and Cleveland are looking to make a return trip to the postseason. Which of these interleague rivals will emerge victorious on Friday night?

The Guardians are favorites (-142) over the Reds, with the over/under set at eight runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s showdown between Cincinnati and Cleveland on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Reds vs. Guardians prediction, preview

Few pitchers in baseball have been more inconsistent this season than Andrew Abbott. The southpaw has had moments of brilliance, allowing two earned runs or fewer on five different occasions. However, he has a combined 9.87 ERA over his other four appearances. A lackluster 16% K rate and .281 expected batting average aren’t very promising for the former All-Star. Still, the 26-year-old is an above-average arm on most nights.

After tossing six scoreless frames against the Astros last weekend, Abbott comes into this one with some momentum. He relies on three different off-speed pitches: the sweeper (20%), changeup (20%) and curveball (13%). Against those three offerings, Cleveland has recorded a dismal .165 team batting average this season.

The Guardians are only averaging 4.16 runs per game this season, fourth-lowest in the American League. Franchise cornerstone Jose Ramirez hasn’t been himself, posting a .207/.340/.366 slash line with six homers, 16 RBIs and an AL-leading 18 steals. J-Ram has notched just three hits over his last 22 at-bats (.136 BA). However, the offense has gotten a much-needed boost from Chase DeLauter. The rookie leads all Cleveland hitters with a 146 wRC+. If there’s one thing the Guards do well, it’s run the bases. They’ve picked up 48 steals so far, second behind only the Marlins (51). Since 2025, Reds catchers Jose Trevino and Tyler Stephenson are tied for 33rd in the majors with a 20% caught stealing percentage.

For all of Cleveland’s hitting struggles, it’s not as if the Reds have been much better. That’s especially true whenever they aren’t playing inside the hitter-friendly confines of Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati is averaging 3.90 runs per game on the road, tenth-worst in the league. That’s in spite of a terrific 2026 campaign from superstar Elly De La Cruz. The five-tool shortstop is slashing .299/.359/.525 with ten homers, 29 RBIs and nine steals. Fellow youngster Sal Stewart (118 wRC+) has impressed as well. Outfielder JJ Bleday, called up last week, has slugged six homers in his first 52 at-bats with the Reds. That includes a double-dinger performance during Thursday’s blowout win over the Nationals.

Much like Abbott, Cleveland hurler Tanner Bibee possesses undeniable talent. However, he’s also struggled putting it all together this season. Through 45.1 innings of work, the right-hander has produced a 4.17 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 45 strikeouts. If not for one nightmare outing against Atlanta (4.2 IP, 8 ER), those numbers would look much better. Friday’s matchup appears to be favorable on paper. The Reds have recorded a .699 OPS against right-handed pitching, tenth-worst in baseball.

Reds vs. Guardians pick, best bet

Despite an offensive outburst this week against the Nationals, it’s difficult to trust this Cincinnati offense on the road. That’s especially true against one of Cleveland’s better pitchers in Bibee. As for Abbott, he could struggle this evening. The Guardians have a .741 OPS against lefties, seventh-best in the sport. Factoring in exceptional base-stealing skills, and the AL Central leaders are poised for success tonight. If you’re looking for a prop, consider Ramirez 1+ stolen bases (+286).

Best Bet: Guardians ML (-142)