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For the second straight series the Reds find themselves in an important rubber game. In both series, the team won a challenging, extended opening game, followed by a disappointing loss in the second. The difference between this series and the last? Today the Reds don't have to face Chris Carpenter. Instead they get lefty Jon Niese. Niese wasn't even a lock to make the rotation out of spring training, but has arguably been the Mets best starter so far. And since he's a lefty that no current Red has ever faced, I'm not exactly feeling hopeful.
The Reds counter with Johnny Cueto, who has yet to pitch past the 6th inning this year, and hasn't even gotten to the 6th in 3 of his 5 starts. For Cueto to take the next step and be a reliable frontline starter he needs to be more pitch efficient and start eating up innings. I can't think of a better day to start than today! No one on the Mets has more than 8 at bats against Cueto, so both teams will be trying to figure out the other team's pitchers early on.
I love businessmen's specials, and I'm going to be jetting out of work early to go home and watch on TV. On another personal note, Jon Niese is on my fantasy team, and I am once again oficially willing to give up the points for him to get shelled.
Go Reds! They're my favorite excuse to play hooky!