Can Reds stave off sweep by Indians?
The battle for baseball supremacy in Ohio hasn’t been much of a fight in recent years. Do the Reds have what it takes to rise to the occasion today, though?
Cincinnati and Cleveland are ready to clash for the final time in interleague action this season, with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch at the Great American Ballpark. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI favor the Tribe to complete a home-and-home sweep, while Bryan Price’s outfit enters as a +120 underdog. The over/under run total rests at eight.
Perhaps the last-place Reds (15-25) can gain a slight lift from yesterday’s roster machinations, not to mention a competitive showing in the evening’s extra-inning loss to the Indians. Jumbo Diaz and Keyvius Sampson were recalled from Triple-A Louisville to offer the parent club’s beleaguered relief corps a boost. Cincy’s bullpen, having logged 147 frames, carries a 6.43 ERA with 85 walks and 33 homers allowed.
It hasn’t helped, of course, that the starters continue to force Price’s hand early. Tim Adleman (1-1, 3.38 ERA) aims to reverse such a trend in several hours. The rookie was blasted for eight hits and three runs in a weekend loss at Philadelphia. Prior to that turn, however, he had surrendered 15 base knocks and six runs across 16 innings.
Not only does Terry Francona feel great about his surging lineup, Cleveland’s skipper probably can’t wait to let Josh Tomlin (5-0, 3.82) handle tonight’s honors on the mound. The Indians (20-17) haven’t lost one of the righty’s assignments yet. Tomlin recorded his third consecutive quality start one week ago, working into the seventh vs. Minnesota. He remains susceptible to the dinger, though, so we could be in for significant fireworks by the banks of the Ohio River.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: INDIANS/REDS OVER 8.5 RUNS
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