Miami @ Cincinnati preview
Great American Ball Park
Last Meeting ( Apr 19, 2013 ) Miami 2, Cincinnati 1
The Cincinnati Reds appeared to be finding their offensive rhythm with consecutive 11-run games, but they were held in check their last time out. If recent history is any indication, the Reds will get their shot to get their offense going early Saturday when they host struggling Wade LeBlanc and the Miami Marlins in the third of a four-game series. Cincinnati entered Friday with a four-game winning streak, but struggled to score in a 2-1 setback against Miami.
Although he has yet to be rewarded for his efforts, early-season surprise Kevin Slowey turned in another strong start for the Marlins and Justin Ruggiano homered for the second straight game. However, Miami ranks worst in the majors in runs (35) and team batting average (.208) while also tying the Kansas City Royals for the fewest homers in the league (five). No. 3 hitter Giancarlo Stanton - who has yet to homer or drive in a run - went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Friday, lowering his average to .162.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Wade LeBlanc (0-3, 6.75 ERA) vs. Reds RH Bronson Arroyo (2-1, 4.05)
LeBlanc hasn’t done himself any favors with miserable first innings through three starts, allowing eight of his 11 earned runs in the opening frame. Such was the case again in his most recent start against Washington on Monday, when he surrendered four of his seven runs in the first and lasted only 3 2/3 innings. The ex-San Diego Padres reliever has fared well in his only two starts against the Reds, however, going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.
Arroyo enjoyed his finest outing of the season in Monday’s 4-2 victory over Philadelphia, winning his head-to-head battle over the Phillies’ Cliff Lee. The 36-year-old right-hander allowed two runs on five hits over eight frames in the victory and has walked only two batters through 20 innings. While Arroyo has won both of his outings at Great American Ball Park this season, he has struggled in 13 career appearances – 10 starts – against the Marlins, going 1-4 with a 4.28 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati has scored in double figures four times, matching its total from last season.
2. The Marlins have scored more than three runs twice through 17 games.
3. Of the 29 teams Arroyo has faced in his career, Miami is one of five teams he has defeated one time or less.
PREDICTION: Reds 8, Marlins 2