Jeremy Hellickson (2-2, 4.91 ERA) and Brandon Finnegan (1-1, 4.15 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (20-15) and the Cincinnati Reds (14-20) at Citizens Bank Park. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 13 and can be seen on CSPh and FSOH.
Hellickson pitched 5.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out four and walking one in a 4-3 win over the Marlins. Odubel Herrera (.339, 22 Rs, 3 HRs, 11 RBIs, 6 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 4 for 4 with two runs and one stolen base. Finnegan went 5.0 innings, surrendering five runs (two unearned) and striking out one in a 13-7 defeat to the Brewers in his last outing. Brandon Phillips (.286, 17 Rs, 6 HRs, 17 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 Wednesday with one run and one RBI.
The odds for Philadelphia and Cincinnati are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Phillies have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Philadelphia’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
Offensively, the Reds have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Reds are an excellent base stealing team with 23 stolen bases, ranking fourth in the MLB. The Reds allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span. The Reds have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 7.1 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Reds have the edge in the season series, 3-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – CIN
Notes
Cincinnati has won 41% (7-10) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Philadelphia has won 53% (8-7) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Reds are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Phillies have a 7-11 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 9-4. The Phillies have an 11-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th in runs, Philadelphia has earned 115 this season. Cincinnati ranks 19th with 139 runs.
Ranking 30th, Cincinnati is at the bottom of the league in walks, notching 79 this season. Philadelphia ranks near the bottom at 28th with 84.
The Phillies are 15-8 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Reds are 11-11 when they hit at least one homer.
