Cincinnati @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 17, 2013 ) Philadelphia 2, Cincinnati 11

The Philadelphia Phillies were outscored 16-4 in three losses when they visited the Cincinnati Reds a little over a month ago. Coming off wins in three of their last four contests, the Phillies will try to turn the tables when they host the Reds on Friday to begin a three-game series. The Phillies send Cliff Lee to the mound to try and slow down Cincinnati, which stands second in the National League in runs and first in on-base percentage. The Reds posted their season-high sixth straight victory with a 5-3 triumph in 10 innings over Miami on Thursday.

Jimmy Rollins has led the way for Philadelphia with eight hits and six RBIs over the last five games, while Ryan Howard and Michael Young are slumping. Brandon Phillips has 36 RBIs to lead the NL and Joey Votto, along with Shin-Soo Choo, are the top two in on-base percentage in the league to key Cincinnati's offense.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Ohio (Cincinnati), WPHL (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Tony Cingrani (2-0, 2.89 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cliff Lee (4-2, 2.86)

Cingrani has been solid in his first five career starts, yielding two or fewer runs in four of them. The 23-year-old gave up two runs and five hits over four innings his last start against Milwaukee, his shortest stint of the season. Cingrani has surrendered six homers in 28 innings, but has walked only seven and struck out 37. The left-hander is facing Philadelphia for the first time.

Lee enjoyed his second-best outing of 2013 in his last time out, shutting out Arizona on six hits through seven innings in a 3-1 victory. The veteran left-hander has surrendered two or fewer runs in five of his eight starts, striking out 43 and walking only nine in 56 2/3 innings. Lee is 6-2 in 12 starts against Cincinnati all-time with a 3.79 ERA, allowing two runs in seven innings on April 15 without getting a decision. Joey Votto is 7-for-16 with a homer against Lee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati RF Jay Bruce was 5-for-11 with three RBIs against Philadelphia from April 15-17.

2. Philadelphia set-up man Mike Adams has been unavailable the last three games with back spasms. He is listed day-to-day.

3. Choo has been hit by a pitch 12 times to lead the majors.

PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Reds 2