In the first of a four-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (11-17) and the Milwaukee Brewers (11-16) at the Great American Ball Park, Alfredo Simon (0-3, 13.50 ERA) and Chase Anderson (1-3, 5.55 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 5 and will air on FSWI and FSOH.
In his last start, Simon pitched 4.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out four and walking four in a 5-1 loss to the Pirates. Eugenio Suarez (.269, 16 Rs, 6 HRs, 18 RBIs, 4 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 3 for 4 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. The Brewers were unsuccessful against the Marlins 7-5 the last time Anderson pitched. He went 4.1 innings, giving up six runs (one unearned), striking out four and walking four. Ryan Braun (.374, 15 Rs, 5 HRs, 22 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been doing well, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Against teams in the NL Central, the Reds have a SU record of 2-6. Cincinnati has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The Reds are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with 20 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. Cincinnati’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
Against divisional foes, the Brewers are 5-11 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Brewers average 3.9 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL. Milwaukee’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0. The Milwaukee pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging an NL-best 6.5 strikeouts per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – MIL
Notes
Cincinnati has won 43% (6-8) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Milwaukee has won 44% (4-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Brewers managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Reds who are heading in with a 2-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 8-4. The Brewers have a 9-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th, Cincinnati is in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 107 this season. Milwaukee ranks in the top half at 12th with 119.
Ranking 29th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 66 this season. Milwaukee ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 106.
The Reds are 8-8 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Brewers are 8-6 when they hit at least one homer.
