Cincinnati @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 31, 2018 ) Cincinnati 1, Detroit 2

The Detroit Tigers have alternated losses and wins in 10 games since returning from the All-Star break, but they have a chance to post back-to-back victories for the first time since July 6-7 when they wrap up a two-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon. Detroit won the series opener 2-1 to improve to 2-9 in interleague play.

The Tigers made only one trade at Tuesday's deadline, sending outfielder Leonys Martin to Cleveland in exchange for a pair of prospects. Niko Goodrum homered and Mike Gerber made his first major-league hit a memorable one with an RBI double that stood up as the game-winner Tuesday night. Despite eight strong innings from Homer Bailey, Cincinnati had its three-game winning streak halted and lost for just the fourth time in 14 interleague matchups. Eugenio Suarez drove in the lone run for the Reds in Tuesday's loss for his 10th RBI in eight games, leaving him one shy of matching last season's career high of 82.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Sal Romano (6-8, 5.04 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Fiers (7-6, 3.54)

Romano worked six strong innings against St. Louis in his last start, earning the win by permitting two runs on seven hits while striking out five. He followed that up with a scoreless relief stint versus Philadelphia three days later, the second time in his last three appearances he pitched out of the bullpen. Romano tossed a gem against the Tigers on June 19, yielding four walks over seven scoreless innings.

Although he did not factor in the decision, Fiers recorded his sixth consecutive quality start last time out by giving up three runs on five hits -- including two homers -- over six innings. He is only 2-2 in that span despite allowing a combined nine runs while yielding one or less on four occasions. Billy Hamilton is hitless in 10 at-bats against Fiers, who is 5-2 with a 2.85 ERA in 11 home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 1B Joey Votto is 6-for-12 in his last three games and ended an 10-game extra-base hit drought on Tuesday.

2. Tigers RF Nick Castellanos is 1-for-19 over the last five games.

3. Detroit acquired RH Kyle Dowdy and INF Willi Castro from the Indians in the trade for Martin.

PREDICTION: Tigers 3, Reds 2