In the first of a three-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (52-71) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (67-56) at the Great American Ball Park, John Lamb (0-1, 6.35 ERA) and Alex Wood (8-8, 3.79 ERA) get the ball. The Dodgers go into this series looking to snap a five-game losing streak. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 25 and will air on FSOH and SNLA.
In his last start, Lamb pitched 5.1 innings, allowing three runs and striking out eight in a 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks. Joey Votto (.309, 75 Rs, 24 HRs, 62 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with three runs, one home run, and two RBIs. The Dodgers were unsuccessful the last time Wood pitched. He tossed 5.2 innings, allowing three runs, striking out one and walking three in a 5-2 loss to the Athletics. Andre Ethier (.291, 44 Rs, 12 HRs, 39 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 3 for 3 Sunday.
Cincinnati, a +143 underdog, will look to capitalize at home against Los Angeles. The teams combine to set the Over/Under (O/U) at eight runs. The Reds have a losing record of 24-48 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -1,957. They are 1-6 as the underdog over their last 10 games. The Reds are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with an MLB-high 113 steals.
Moving on to the opposing team, the Dodgers come into this game with a win percentage of .545 when playing as the favorite (60-50) and an overall money line of -1,563. During the last 10 games, they averaged 3.0 runs per game, below their 4.1 season average. The Dodgers average 3.4 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL. The Dodgers are a problem for opposing batters, sporting a 3.54 ERA this season. They have a WHIP of 1.20, fourth best in the MLB.
The Dodgers are 3-1 against the Reds this season. This game will feature Wood (LHP) on the mound against the Reds, who have a 12-17 record when they take on a left-handed starter. The left-handed Lamb will take the mound against the Dodgers, who have a 10-14 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
Cincinnati has won 40% (18-27) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Los Angeles has won 50% (21-21) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Dodgers are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Reds have a 2-7 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 40-16. The Dodgers have a 50-11 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 23rd, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 487 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 505.
Ranking seventh, Cincinnati is in the top 10 of the league in walks, notching 382 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top five at third with 421.
The Reds are 44-35 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Dodgers are 52-34 when they hit at least one homer.
