Anthony DeSclafani (7-9, 3.97 ERA) and the Cincinnati Reds (52-72) go up against Zack Greinke (13-3, 1.67 ERA) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (68-56) in the last of a three-game series at the Great American Ball Park. The Dodgers won the last game 7-4 and Los Angeles leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 12:35 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 27 and will air on SNLA.
In his most recent outing, DeSclafani pitched 5.0 innings, allowing six runs and striking out four in an 11-7 loss to the Diamondbacks. Todd Frazier (.265, 69 Rs, 29 HRs, 75 RBIs, 11 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. The Dodgers were unsuccessful to the Astros 3-1 the last time Greinke pitched. He went 7.0 innings, giving up three runs and striking out five. Justin Turner (.302, 41 Rs, 15 HRs, 51 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run.
The Over/Under (O/U) for this game is seven runs and Cincinnati is a considerable +175 underdog. The Reds have a losing record of 24-49 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -1,957. With a 0-6 record as the underdog, they have had a tough time over their last 10 games. They have been a terror on the base paths, leading all of baseball with 113 steals.
Switching to the opposing bench, the Dodgers come into this game with a win percentage of .550 when playing as the favorite (61-50) and an overall money line of -1,463. Los Angeles has an eye for the strike zone, ranking 3.4 in the NL with second walks per game. Switching gears to Los Angeles’s pitching staff, they have the fifth-lowest ERA in the NL at 3.52. They have a WHIP of 1.20 on the year, good for fifth in the league.
The Dodgers had the upper hand against the Reds in their previous six games this season, earning a 5-1 record. This game will feature Greinke (RHP) on the mound against the Reds, who have a 40-54 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed DeSclafani will take the mound against the Dodgers, who have a 57-42 record against righty 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.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Dodgers are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Reds have a 7-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 40-16. The Dodgers have a 50-11 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 25th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 488 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 510.
Ranking seventh, Cincinnati is in the top 10 of the league in walks, notching 387 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top five at third with 424.
When the Reds hit at least one home run, they are 44-35. When the Dodgers hit at least one homer, they have a 53-34 record.
