Dan Straily (2-1, 3.05 ERA) and the Cincinnati Reds (15-26) go up against Hisashi Iwakuma (1-4, 4.38 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners (23-17) in the first of a three-game interleague series at the Great American Ball Park. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 20 and will air on FSOH and RTNW.
In his most recent outing, Straily pitched 5.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out six and walking three in a 9-4 victory over the Phillies. The Mariners were unsuccessful the last time Iwakuma pitched. He did not do well, pitching 6.1 innings, allowing four runs, striking out two and walking one in a 9-7 loss to the Angels. Robinson Cano (.299, 27 Rs, 12 HRs, 36 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Reds have a SU record of 23-17 against the American League. Cincinnati has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. 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. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 7.2 strikeouts per game.
When playing Interleague opponents, the Mariners have a 15-22 record SU. The Mariners rank third in the AL in road scoring, averaging five runs per game. Seattle’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking fifth in the AL with only 0.0 runs allowed per game. They also allow just 7.7 hits per game, good for fifth in the AL.
Predictions: SU Winner – SEA
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Seattle is 11-7, while Cincinnati is 7-13.
The Mariners are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Reds have a 6-18 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 10-4. The Mariners have an 18-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 19th in runs, Cincinnati has earned 169 this season. Seattle ranks 10th with 184 runs.
Ranking 29th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 98 this season. Seattle ranks in the top half at 11th with 134.
When the Reds hit at least one home run, they are 12-14. When the Mariners hit at least one homer, they have a 20-11 record.
