March 29, 2026, 5:48 a.m. ET

The Boston Red Sox (1-1) and the Cincinnati Reds (1-1) wrap up their 3-game season-opening series Sunday at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze MLB odds around the Red Sox vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season Series: Tied 1-1

After opening with a 3-0 shutout Thursday, the Red Sox dropped a 6-5 extra-inning game Saturday to the Reds as -134 road favorites with the Over (7.5) cashing. RP Justin Slaten allowed the walk-off hit in the 11th. RF Wilyer Abreu went 2-for-4 with a HR and 2 RBIs and SS Trevor Story added a solo long ball in the loss.

After being shut out in the opener, the Reds bounced back Saturday in 11 innings as +114 home underdogs. CF Dane Myers delivered the walk-off single, scoring CF TJ Friedl. 3B Sal Stewart went 2-for-4 with a HR and 2 RBIs, while SS Elly De La Cruz added his first homer.

Watch MLB on Fubo!Red Sox at Reds projected starters

LHP Connelly Early vs. RHP Rhett Lowder

Early (1-2, 2.33 ERA) made 4 starts in 2025. He had a 1.09 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 13.5 K/9 in 19 1/3 innings.

2025 with AA Portland Sea Dogs: 7-2, 2.51 ERA. He had a 1.13 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 12.1 K/9 in 71 1/3 innings in 15 appearances (12 starts)2025 road stats: 1-1, 2.00 ERA (9 IP, 3 R, 2 ER), 0 HR, 3 BB, 15 K in 2 starts

Lowder (2-2, 1.17 ERA) made 6 starts in 2024 with a 1.27 WHIP, 4.1 BB/9 and 6.5 K/9 in 30 2/3 innings.

Missed the 2025 season with a right forearm injury and a subsequent, significant oblique strain2024 road stats: 1-1, 0.59 ERA (15 1/3 IP, 1 ER), 0 HR, 10 BB, 13 K in 3 startsRed Sox at Reds odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:39 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Red Sox -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Reds +120 (bet $100 to win $120)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Red Sox -1.5 (+118) | Reds +1.5 (-145)Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Red Sox at Reds picks and predictionsPrediction

Red Sox 6, Reds 3

PASS.

If you’d rather play it safer with lesser odds, take Boston (-145) on the moneyline but I believe the Red Sox will cover the run line with plus odds.

BET RED SOX -1.5 (+118).

CF Roman Anthony is already making an impact at the plate and brings serious upside into a hitter-friendly matchup against the Reds. Boston also gets a favorable draw vs. Lowder, who is returning from injury and carries shaky underlying metrics, including a low strikeout rate and high hard-hit profile — not ideal against a deep lineup.

The Red Sox have multiple bats that can generate runs in bunches, while Cincinnati’s offense has been inconsistent and strikeout-prone. With Boston’s ability to capitalize early and add on late against a vulnerable pitching staff, this sets up well for a multi-run win.

BET OVER 8 (-115).

With Lowder still building up after missing time and Early on the other side, there’s plenty of uncertainty on the mound. That typically favors hitters, especially early in the season.

Both Boston and Cincinnati have lineups capable of putting runs up in a hurry, and Great American Ball Park only adds to that. With unknowns on both sides, this shapes up as a game where runs can come from either lineup — pointing toward the Over.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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