Cincinnati @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 21, 2013 ) Miami 6, Cincinnati 10

The Cincinnati Reds have won more home contests than any other team this season while struggling a bit on the road. The Reds can begin to change that pattern when they start a nine-game trip against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. Cincinnati is 16-6 at Great American Ball Park and 6-10 away from home as it begins a three-game set against the scuffling Marlins. Jay Bruce has heated up as the Reds have reached a season-high six games over .500 by winning seven of nine, recording 10 RBIs in that span.

Miami returns to the Sunshine State to start a nine-game homestand after a 3-7 road trip that ended with a pair of losses to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Marlins stand last in runs scored (108) and have won a major league-low five home contests. Miami prospects Marcell Ozuna (.326 over 12 games) and Derek Dietrich (4-for-11 in three contests) are making good first impressions.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (1-3, 3.83 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (2-4, 3.72)

Bailey struggled in his last two starts, allowing a combined eight runs over 10 1/3 innings. The right-hander has not won since his first outing for the season but has been the recipient of some hard luck. Bailey gave up two or runs or fewer in four of his first five turns and managed only a 1-2 record. The 27-year-old is 1-1 lifetime against the Marlins in five starts with a 2.87 ERA over 31 1/3 innings. Greg Dobbs is 3-for-7 vs. Bailey.

Nolasco has been steady at the top of the Marlins' rotation, even if his record does not show it. The right-hander has surrendered three runs or fewer in six of his eight starts. Nolasco allowed one run and four hits over seven innings only to lose 1-0 at San Diego on Wednesday. He has recorded 34 strikeouts and 11 walks while limiting opponents to a .249 average. Joey Votto and Bruce have each homered twice against Nolasco.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati pitchers have struck out at least 10 batters in a game 14 times this season but only once on the road.

2. Miami C Jeff Mathis, out with a broken collarbone all season, is expected to be activated from the disabled list Tuesday.

3. Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is perfect in eight save opportunities and has struck out 26 in 17 innings.

PREDICTION: Reds 4, Marlins 3