Tim Adleman (1-1, 3.72 ERA) and Bud Norris (6-9, 4.26 ERA) take the hill in the first of a four-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (51-69) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (67-53) at the Great American Ball Park. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 19 and can be seen on SNLA and FSOH.
Adleman pitched 3.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out three and walking two in a 7-2 defeat to the Indians. Jay Bruce (.254, 65 Rs, 27 HRs, 86 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one RBI. Norris went 0.1 inning, surrendering one runs (one unearned) and walking one in a 14-3 win over the Diamondbacks in his last outing. Corey Seager (.311, 78 Rs, 21 HRs, 56 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Dodgers, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Los Angeles takes on Cincinnati as a -145 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at nine runs. The Reds have recorded an overall money line of -662 and have shown a weak performance as an underdog this season with a record of 32-63. Cincinnati is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 109 bases.
Over in the other dugout, in contrast to a worrisome overall money line (-176), Los Angeles has an impressive 60-33 record when playing as the favorite. Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is fourth in the NL. The Dodgers are tough outs for opponents, ranking fifth in the NL with 9.2 hits per road game. Los Angeles is excellent at drawing walks with 3.5 per road game, ranking third in the NL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Dodgers are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.158 for the season. The Dodgers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 9.3 strikeouts per game.
The Dodgers have the edge in the season series, 3-0. The Reds have a 42-52 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Norris takes the mound. Adleman (RHP) will be on the hill against the Dodgers, who have a 53-38 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
Cincinnati recorded at least two errors for the 21st time this season.
The Reds are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Dodgers have a 13-11 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 9-54. The Dodgers have an 11-37 record when opponents outhit them.
Cincinnati ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 129 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 16th with 142.
Ranking 11th, Cincinnati is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.27 per game. Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.58.
Ranking 25th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.711). Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 17th with an OPS of .735.
When the Dodgers allow at least one home run, they are 32-41. When the Reds allow one or more homers, they have a 37-57 record.
