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Yankees vs. Reds prediction and odds for Thu., 7/14: Can Nestor Cortes handle Brandon Drury and the Reds?

By Matt McCuen, Oddschecker | Last updated 7/14/22

The Cincinnati Reds vs. the New York Yankees will battle it out from the Bronx on Thursday night for game three of this three-game set. Let's get into my prediction, pick, and odds for the Yankees vs. Reds game.

Yankees vs. Reds Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

Date: July 14, 2022
Game Time: 7:05 pm ET
Where to Watch: MLB.TV

Click Here for Yankees vs. Reds Odds

New York Yankees vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction

The Reds have not looked like one of the worst teams in baseball this series storming back from a 3-0 deficit in the ninth inning in game one and losing a close game last night, 7-6. The Reds got off to a historically bad start but since then, they have actually been a decent team. If you look at their roster, there are not a lot of big names that stick out, but guys have played their roles well as of late.

Brandon Drury is one of those guys who has enjoyed a good season. Drury was never a starter in the majors until this year, and he has made the most of it. He is a name many think will be dealt at the trade deadline.

The Yankees are having one of the best first halves in major league history. They come into this game with an astonishing record of 62-26. They hold a 14-game lead over Tampa in the AL East. They have the likely AL MVP on their roster as well in the form of Aaron Judge. It has been a dream start for the Bronx Bombers. Tonight they will be tasked with one of the best rams in the game in the form of Luis Castillo. He will be opposed by southpaw Nester Cortes who is having the best season of his career.

I am backing the Yankees on the -1 line tonight. I expect them to have a breakout game and finally blowout this Reds team. The Reds have had a great series so far, but the talent gap here is significant.

I understand Castillo has been hot as of late, but I do expect a team as good as the Yankees to scratch three or four runs off of him. He is also a guy who struggles at times with command, so they could run his pitch count up and knock him out by the fifth inning. Nester Cortes has been outstanding this year for the Yankees, and he should be able to limit an offense like the Reds. I love this spot for the Yankees to win the series at home today.