In the first of a three-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (55-77) and the St. Louis Cardinals (70-62) at the Great American Ball Park, Anthony DeSclafani (8-2, 2.96 ERA) and Alex Reyes (1-0, 0.64 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 2 and will air on FSMW and FSOH.
In his last start, DeSclafani pitched 9.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out nine and walking one in a 13-0 victory over the Diamondbacks. Joey Votto (.309, 83 Rs, 22 HRs, 78 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday. The Cardinals were unsuccessful against the Athletics 3-2 the last time Reyes pitched. He went 4.2 innings, giving up one run, striking out four and walking four.
Notes
Cincinnati has won 45% (30-36) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, St. Louis has won 56% (32-25) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Cardinals are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Reds have a 15-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 41-13. The Cardinals have a 49-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 19th, Cincinnati is in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 587 this season. St. Louis ranks in the top five with 650.
Ranking 24th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.719). St. Louis ranks in the top five at fourth with an OPS of .776.
The Cardinals are 37-41 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Reds are 37-64 when they allow at least one homer.
