Cincinnati @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( May 6, 2018 ) Miami 8, Cincinnati 5

The Cincinnati Reds have been shut out in three of their past five games and look to break out of their slump when they visit the Miami Marlins on Thursday in the opener of a four-game set. Cincinnati was blanked 7-0 by the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday to mark the 12th time they haven't scored this season, the most since the franchise was shut out 13 times in 2015.

The Reds managed just two hits in their latest shutout loss and the five hitless at-bats with runners in scoring position dropped the club to 3-for-47 in that category over the past eight games. All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett is just 2-for-15 over the past five games and his batting average dipped to. 317, second in the National League behind Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich (.319). Miami has dropped eight of its last 11 games and owns the worst record (59-92) in the National League, just one game worse than the San Diego Padres (61-92). Marlins rookie Brian Anderson is limping to the finish by going 7-for-46 in September and he hasn't homered in his past 17 appearances.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Cody Reed (0-2, 4.32 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jeff Brigham (0-2, 7.36)

Reed struck out a career-high 10 in his last turn and gave up two hits over five scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs. The 25-year-old Reed is making his fifth consecutive start and looking to make an impression that may land him a rotation spot next season. Reed started against the Marlins on July 10, 2016 when he gave up four runs - three earned - and seven hits over 4 2/3 innings.

Brigham is making his third big league start and suffered a loss in each of the first two. The 26-year-old gave up three runs in each of the outings while pitching three innings against the Toronto Blue Jays in his debut and 4 1/3 frames against the New York Mets last Thursday. Brigham owns a 1.91 WHIP and has issued five walks in 7 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Marlins took two of three games against the Reds earlier this season and have won 15 of the past 24 meetings.

2. Cincinnati All-Star 3B Eugenio Suarez is just 1-for-20 over his past seven appearances.

3. Miami 1B Peter O'Brien reached base four times (2-for-2 with a homer and two walks) in Tuesday's loss to the Washington Nationals and is 7-for-15 with three homers and six RBIs over his past seven appearances.

PREDICTION: Reds 3, Marlins 1