Despite winning their last eight, the Reds have only netted a 1.5 game advantage in the Central. You'd expect a better yield for your team's longest winnings streak in over 5 years. Unfortunately, SOPA died in Congress and the Piracy continues unabated.
Johnny Cueto has somewhat quietly continued to be one of the best pitchers in the majors. As a sign of just how good he's been, his last start in which he went 7.0 IP, stuck out 9, walked one and gave up one ER was just his 8th best this season by Game Score. He owns the league's best ERA and ERA+ and his FIP is now below 3.00.
The last (and only) time the Reds faced Kentucky's own First Rounder Christian Friedrich, he missed a good number of bats, K'ing 6 in 5 innings. With just one lefty in the lineup, I'll be surprised if he can keep up that rate.
Keep Calm and Cueto On.
LINEUPS
REDS
Zack Cozart (R) SS
Drew Stubbs (R) CF
Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
Jay Bruce (L) RF
Ryan Ludwick (R) LF
Scott Rolen (R) 3B
Todd Frazier (R) 1B
Ryan Hanigan (R) C
Johnny Cueto (R) P
ROCKIES
Dexter Fowler (S) CF
Josh Rutledge (R) SS
Carlos Gonzalez (L) LF
Michael Cuddyer (R) RF
Todd Helton (L) 1B
Wilin Rosario (R) C
Jordan Pacheco (R) 3B
DJ LeMahieu (R) 2B
Christian Friedrich (R) P
Bullpen notes:
- Red Reporter Insider Analysis (pay before reading): Reds' bullpen is in much better shape than it was last week.
- If Chapman's velocity is any indication, he's getting enough rest. His last pitch last night was 102 (and 7 of 8 fastballs were clocked at 100 mph or above).