Anthony DeSclafani (7-1, 3.10 ERA) and Julio Urias (3-2, 4.41 ERA) are on the hill in the third of a four-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (53-69) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (67-55) at the Great American Ball Park. The Reds won the last game 11-1, continuing a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 21 and can be seen on SNLA and FSOH.
DeSclafani pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs and striking out six in a 6-3 win over the Marlins. Joey Votto (.307, 78 Rs, 20 HRs, 68 RBIs, 8 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one run and one RBI. Urias went 2.2 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out three and walking three in an 8-4 win over the Pirates in his most recent start. Corey Seager (.314, 80 Rs, 21 HRs, 57 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 1 yesterday with one run.
Los Angeles takes on Cincinnati as a -137 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at nine runs. The Reds have recorded an overall money line of -327 and have shown a weak performance as an underdog this season with a record of 34-63. The Reds have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.6 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.4 runs per game. Cincinnati is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 110 bases. Cincinnati’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 4.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 5.4.
In the other locker room, in contrast to a worrisome overall money line (-513), Los Angeles has an impressive 60-35 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. The Dodgers allow 4.0 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 5.4 runs per game during that span. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Dodgers are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.176 for the season. The Dodgers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 9.3 strikeouts per game.
The Dodgers lead the season series, 3-2. The Reds have a bad 8-17 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Urias takes the mound. DeSclafani (RHP) will be on the hill against the Dodgers, who have a 53-40 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
Cincinnati has won 47% (29-33) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Los Angeles has won 55% (26-21) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Dodgers are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Reds have a 13-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 9-54. The Dodgers have an 11-39 record when opponents outhit them.
Cincinnati ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 134 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 142.
Cincinnati and Los Angeles both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Cincinnati sits at 10th with 8.30 hits per game and Los Angeles ranks ninth with 8.58.
Ranking 22nd, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.719). Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 19th with an OPS of .733.
The Dodgers are 32-43 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Reds are 37-57 when they allow at least one homer.
