Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Game 1 Preview and Betting Odds

The Cincinnati Reds (12-12) and Pittsburgh Pirates (11-14) will open up a three-game National League Central series on Friday night at PNC Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Reds as -140 road favorites, while the opening total of 7 is facing upward pressure in the betting market.

Cincinnati hasn't enjoyed much success on the road in posting a 4-6 mark, which could worsen due to its 2-8 mark when playing under the lights. The Reds finished their recent eight-game homestand with a 5-3 record.

Johnny Cueto (3-0, 1.39 ERA) figures to give the Reds an excellent opportunity to win in the series opener, coming off a 6-0 home victory over the Houston Astros, tossing seven shutout innings and allowing just five hits.

The right-hander has registered a brilliant 10-3 record and 2.70 ERA in 15 career starts versus the Pirates, which includes a 6-1 mark and 2.34 ERA in eight outings at PNC Park. He earned a 3-1 win in his lone start at the ball park last year, giving up one run and four hits over six innings.

The Reds are 7-0 in Cueto's last seven starts as a favorite of -110 to -150, while the "over" is 20-7 in the last 27 games in that situation.

Pittsburgh has built some momentum over the past couple weeks, posting a 9-8 record over its last 17 games, as it returns home after a disappointing 3-4 road trip. The Pirates' pitching staff will be thrilled to throw off its own mound, boasting a 1.87 home ERA this season.

Kevin Correia (1-1, 2.42 ERA) is likely the only player on Pittsburgh's roster that would like to remain on the road for the entire season, considering he went 2-8 with a 7.71 ERA in 13 games (12 starts) at home in 2011. He didn't figure into the decision of a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies in his only home effort this year, surrendering two runs and four hits over six frames.

The right-hander boasts a 7-1 record and 4.69 ERA in 15 lifetime appearances (10 starts) versus the Reds, which includes wins in each of his last four decisions in the series since July 3, 2007. He was 1-0 with a 4.80 ERA in two outings in this series a year ago.

The Pirates are 0-4 in Correia's last four starts versus divisional foes, while the "over" is 7-0 in his last tries as a home underdog.

Weather forecasts suggest scattered thunderstorms in the area and game-time temperatures in the low-70s, with a slight breeze out of the northwest.