In the first of a four-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (51-67) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (58-61) at the Great American Ball Park, John Lamb (0-1, 7.50 ERA) and Patrick Corbin (3-3, 3.43 ERA) take the mound. The Reds enter this series looking to snap a five-game losing streak. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 20 and will air on FSOH and FSAZ.
In his most recent outing, Lamb pitched 6.0 innings, allowing five runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 5-3 loss to the Dodgers. Joey Votto (.306, 67 Rs, 22 HRs, 59 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Diamondbacks were victorious the last time Corbin pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.2 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out eight and walking three in an 8-4 victory over the Braves. Paul Goldschmidt (.333, 75 Rs, 22 HRs, 89 RBIs, 19 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
Cincinnati is a +121 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is eight runs. The Reds have a losing record of 24-45 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -1,431. The Reds are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with an MLB-high 111 steals.
Switching to the opposing bench, the Diamondbacks come into this game with a win percentage of .500 when playing as the favorite (23-23) and an overall money line of +84. They sport the top-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 4.5 runs per game. One of the top road hitting teams in the NL are the Diamondbacks, who average 9.3 hits in games away from home. The Diamondbacks have racked up 102 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league.
In their previous three games this season, the Diamondbacks have a 2-1 record. This game will feature Corbin (LHP) on the mound against the Reds, who have a 12-16 record when they take on a left-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Diamondbacks will be the left-hander Lamb. They sport a 12-17 record against southpaws.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ari, O/U – Over
Notes
The Reds managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Diamondbacks who are coming in with a 30-17 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 8-46. The Diamondbacks have a 12-40 record when opponents outhit them.
Arizona ranks in the bottom half of the league at 20th when it comes to home runs, hitting 105 this season. Cincinnati ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 128.
Ranking eighth, Cincinnati is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.54 per game. Arizona ranks in the top five at second with 9.27.
Ranking 15th, Cincinnati is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.712). Arizona ranks in the top 10 at 10th with an OPS of .732.
The Diamondbacks are 29-50 when they allow at least one home run. The Reds perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 22-51 record.
