In the last of a four-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (18-19) and the San Francisco Giants (18-19) at the Great American Ball Park, Michael Lorenzen (1-1, 4.00 ERA) and Chris Heston (3-3, 2.91 ERA) get the ball. The Giants won the last game 11-2 and San Francisco leads the series 2-1. The game gets underway at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 17 and will air on CSN-BAY and FSN-OH.
In his most recent outing, Lorenzen pitched 2.0 innings, allowing three runs and walking two in a 10-2 loss to the Giants. The Giants were victorious the last time Heston pitched. He pitched well, going, going 9.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out 10 in an 8-1 victory over the Astros. Brandon Crawford (.277, 17 Rs, 6 HRs, 24 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Giants, going 3 for 5 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and six RBIs.
Cincinnati, a -125 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against San Francisco. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at eight runs. The Reds have a winning record of 10-6 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +38. Over the last 10 games, they have a very good record when playing as the favorite (3-1). The Reds are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with an MLB-high 43 steals.
Switching gears, the Giants come into this game with a win percentage of .529 when playing as the underdog (9-8) and an overall money line of -122. During the last 10 games, they averaged 4.4 runs per game, above their 3.5 season average. San Francisco has an eye for the strike zone on the road, ranking 3.4 in the NL with third walks per game. Shifting to the pitching staff, they average just 8.4 hits allowed per game, fourth-best in the NL.
The Giants are 2-1 against the Reds this season. This game will feature Heston (RHP) on the mound against the Reds, who have a 14-12 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Lorenzen will take the mound against the Giants, who have a 12-15 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – CIN, O/U – Over
Notes
The Giants are 3-1 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Reds are 1-3 in such matchups.
The Giants managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Reds who are heading in with a 5-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Giants are 3-10. The Reds have a 5-14 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, San Francisco has hit 26 this season. Cincinnati ranks third with 46 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Cincinnati is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.94 per game. San Francisco ranks in the top five at fifth with 9.00.
Ranking 18th, Cincinnati is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.708). San Francisco ranks in the top half at 15th with an OPS of .719.
When the Giants allow at least one home run, they are 8-12, well-matched with the Reds who are 10-16 when allowing at least one homer.
