Next Game Cincinnati Reds
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I know pitcher wins don't mean much, but the current set of 5 starters for the Reds have a combined record of 33-12 on the season. Solid.
As a team, the Reds have 7 shutouts this season and 4 of them have come against the Pirates. In fact, the Pirates have scored just one run in the last 40 innings against the Reds in PNC Park, and none in the last 28 innings. I'd say the Reds pitchers have figured something out about how to pitch them there, no?
Mike Leake is just 2-2 in his last 4 decisions, but he's pitched a little better over his last 3 starts and has handled the Pirates well this year. In two starts against the Buccos this year, he's given up just 4 runs in 14.1 innings, but he has not had a decision yet against them. With the Reds are playing of late, I expect them to get him his first victory over the Pirates tonight.
Last night was a good win and the Reds are back in first place, but they can't let up. The goal at this point is to get the lead up over 2 games by the time the Cardinals come to town, and then put the hammer down with a sweep (if the proverbial hammer can actually be put down with a 5.5 game lead in early August). Sounds like a plan to me.
Go Reds!