Game: Cincinnati Reds @ Baltimore Orioles
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Odds: Reds +148, Orioles -161
Total: 9.5
It’s crucial for the Cincinnati Reds to make sure the momentum doesn’t fade even after the incredible stretch earlier this month that put them on the National League radar. The Reds split their first two games against the Orioles over the past two days and head into the series finale tonight. Cincy would benefit from a series victory in Baltimore.
The Reds ended a three-game losing streak by winning 3-1 on Tuesday night. Prior to a loss to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, Cincinnati had a 12-game winning streak. Cincinnati has won nine of its last ten road games.
The Orioles have also been playing well lately, having won five of their previous eight games. On Tuesday, though, their offense was lacking. Baltimore managed just three hits. Two of those came from infielder Jordan Westburg, who made his major league debut on Monday. Through two games, Westburg is 3-for-7 (.429) with two walks.
Last night, Matt McLain homered and doubled for Cincinnati, scoring two runs. In three of his last four games, he has had multiple-hit games. McClain’s ability to utilize the entire field is really impressive. He has the ability to hit to center field and the opposite field, which makes him hard to pitch to.
Tonight, in the series finale, the Reds will start right-hander Luke Weaver (1-2, 6.86 ERA). The Reds have won the last five games he started, despite the fact that he hasn’t played a role in a decision since May 9. Weaver has still given up 20 runs in 16.2 innings, posting an ERA of 10.80 in June. In his eight seasons in the major league, he has played in 127 games, making 93 starts, but he has never faced the Orioles.
Baltimore will start right-hander Kyle Gibson (8-5, 4.30 ERA), who is attempting to recover from a minor slump. In his last two starts, he has allowed eight runs over nine innings while taking a loss to the Chicago Cubs on June 17 and the Seattle Mariners last Friday.
In the three games against National League opponents that Gibson has pitched this season, the Orioles have lost each one. On August 16, 2022, while pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies, he faced Cincinnati and earned a win, surrendering three runs over six innings and striking out 11.
The series’ first two games featured protracted weather delays. The stoppage on Tuesday occurred in the eighth inning, so neither team’s pitching staff appeared to be harmed.
After scoring 60 runs in its previous eight games, the Reds have managed just three each in the first two games of this series. The Over is 4-1 in the Reds’ last five games and, for the season, Cincy is one of the top Over teams in MLB. Their O/U record is 46-34 overall and 23-16 on the road.
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