Cincinnati @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( May 13, 2016 ) Cincinnati 2, Philadelphia 3

The Philadelphia Phillies are making the most of their modest offense to author one of baseball's feel-good stories in the early season. Winners of five of their last six overall and a majors-best 13 of 16 one-run decisions, the upstart Phillies look to continue their good fortune on Saturday as they vie for a series victory over the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

Light-hitting rookie Tyler Goeddel made amends for a gaffe in the outfield by ripping an RBI triple and coming around to score the eventual game-winning run in Philadelphia's 3-2 victory on Friday. While the Phillies moved six games over .500 for the first time since 2011, Cincinnati has dropped 12 of its last 17 overall and 11 of 13 road contests to plummet into the basement of the National League Central. Veteran Joey Votto failed to reach base for the first time in 19 games on Friday and went 0-for-3 versus Saturday starter Aaron Nola when the two met in the Reds' 3-2 season-opening win on April 6.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tim Adleman (1-0, 2.45 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (2-2, 3.13)

Adleman has stepped up nicely with a pair of strong starts since being promoted from Triple-A Louisville. With left-hander John Lamb (thumb) now ailing, the 28-year-old looks to build off a no-decision in his major-league debut on May 1 before allowing just one run on four hits in five innings of a 5-1 triumph over Milwaukee five nights later. Adleman has been taken deep in both outings and issued five walks in 11 innings to drive up his pitch count.

Nola has rebounded from a shaky beginning to the season by recording four straight quality starts while keeping the ball in the park in each outing. The 22-year-old has gone 2-0 in that span, but settled for a no-decision despite yielding three runs on six hits in as many innings versus Miami on Sunday. Nola received the same fate versus Cincinnati on April 6 despite allowing one run on four hits and striking out eight.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati CF Billy Hamilton was placed on the bereavement list Friday and will miss at least two more games following a death in the family.

2. Philadelphia CF Odubel Herrera went 0-for-3 in the series opener, marking just the second time in his last 23 games that he was held without a hit.

3. Cincinnati's Ross Ohlendorf was suspended three games by Major League Baseball on Friday, but the RHP is appealing the decision and is available to pitch in the meantime.

PREDICTION: Phillies 2, Reds 1