Reds vs. Dodgers, Game 1: Preview/Prediction Thread

Now that the spectacle of that series is over, it's time for the real work to start for the Reds. 21 games left, 3 games to make up. They'll still get their crack at Pittsburgh, but they can't afford to fall much farther back, and they can't afford to drop games at home. Even against the surging Dodgers.

Speaking of, the Reds lucked out that they won't be seeing Ryu tonight, but they still will get the Dodgers' best on Saturday and Sunday. That said, they need to capitalize tonight on seemingly their best chance at attacking a starter, and that's against Chris Capuano tonight. It won't be easy, as Capuano destroyed the Reds earlier this year, pitching 6 2/3 shutout innings in a 1-0 Dodgers win.

The Reds have Mike Leake going tonight, who got knocked around a good bit his last start in Colorado, and in his last home start against Arizona too. He needs to be better than that tonight. Especially since Chapman probably won't be available.

Go Reds!