David Holmberg (1-2, 5.95 ERA) and the Cincinnati Reds (51-68) meet Rubby De La Rosa (10-5, 4.40 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (59-61) in the second of a four-game series at the Great American Ball Park. The Reds lost the last game 5-4, extending a six-game losing streak. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 21 and will air on FSOH and FSAZ.
In his last start, Holmberg pitched 2.0 innings, allowing seven runs and walking four in an 8-3 loss to the Dodgers. Joey Votto (.306, 67 Rs, 22 HRs, 59 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. The Diamondbacks were unsuccessful the last time De La Rosa pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 7.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out three and walking four in a 2-1 loss to the Braves.
Cincinnati is a +111 underdog in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is eight runs. The Reds have a losing record of 24-46 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -1,531. Over the last 10 games, they have performed poorly when playing as the underdog (2-7). The Reds rank fifth in the NL in hits at home with 8.9 per game. 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. Arizona is one of the top road hitting teams in the NL with an average of 9.2 hits per contest. The Diamondbacks have racked up 103 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league.
In their previous four games this season, the Diamondbacks have a 3-1 record. The Reds will take on a right-hander (De La Rosa) in this game and have a 39-51 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Holmberg will take the mound against the Diamondbacks, who have a 12-17 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ari, O/U – Over
Notes
Cincinnati has won 42% (18-25) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Arizona has won 54% (21-18) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Diamondbacks are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Reds have a 6-14 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 40-16. The Diamondbacks have a 42-15 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 23rd, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 465 this season. Arizona ranks in the top five at fourth with 543.
Cincinnati and Arizona both rank in the top 10 of the league in walks. Cincinnati sits at ninth with 367 this season and Arizona ranks eighth with 368.
When the Reds hit at least one home run, they are 43-34. When the Diamondbacks hit at least one homer, they have a 41-22 record.
