Keyvius Sampson (2-2, 4.43 ERA) and Buck Farmer (0-2, 8.39 ERA) start in the first of a one-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (51-71) and the Detroit Tigers (59-64) at the Great American Ball Park. The Reds come into this series hoping to snap a nine-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 24 and can be seen on FSOH and FSDT.
Sampson pitched 3.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering four runs, striking out two and walking two in a 4-3 defeat to the Royals. Farmer went 1.1 innings, surrendering three runs and walking one in a 10-8 defeat to the Cubs in his last outing. Miguel Cabrera (.367, 51 Rs, 16 HRs, 59 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Tigers, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Cincinnati is a -121 favorite against Detroit and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Reds have an overall money line of -1,848 and a record as the favorite of 27-22. Cincinnati has gone winless in its last 10 as the favorite. The Reds have no trouble scoring as they rank third in the NL in home offense with 4.4 runs per game. The Reds are one of the best in the NL in terms of hits at home with a phenomenal 9.0 per game. Cincinnati leads the MLB in steals, swiping 111 bases. As for the pitchers, opponents have consistently been struck out by the Reds, who rank fourth in the NL in strikeouts per home game with 8.4.
In games where it is the underdog, Detroit has a 26-35 record and an overall money line of -439. Detroit is 6-6 as the underdog and 9-10 SU against interleague opponents. Offensively, they average 4.4 runs per game, which is good for fifth in the AL. The Tigers are tough outs for opponents, leading the AL with 9.6 hits per game.
The Reds lead the season series, 2-1. The Reds have a 39-53 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Farmer takes the mound. Sampson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Tigers, who have a 42-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cin, O/U – Over
Notes
Cincinnati has won 40% (18-27) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Detroit has won 51% (28-27) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Reds who are heading in with a 21-20 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 40-16. The Tigers have a 49-16 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 475 this season. Detroit ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 544.
Ranking 15th, Detroit is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 345 this season. Cincinnati ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 376.
The Reds are 43-35 when they hit at least one home run. The Tigers perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 43-30 record.
