Reds vs. Rays, Game 3: Preview/Prediction Thread

The Reds have yet to win a series and are currently looking up at the Cubs in the NL Central standings. That is what happens when you lose five games in your first eleven by one run. Unfortunately, progression to the mean cannot occur overnight; it must be done one game at a time. The Reds will look to break their most recent of losing skids today and avoid being swept at home for the first time this season when they follow Tony Cingrani's lead this afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Reds will face Cesar Ramos this afternoon, who will be attempting to perform his best impersonation of Alfredo Simon. Ramos a moderately-dependable fixture of the Rays bullpen last season, was cast into a start today following Matt Moore's most recent setback. Ramos, in his career, has only pitched 2/3 of an inning against Reds batters and has given up two hits. This most certainly is the epitome of the small sample size, but at this point, the Reds can use any possible silver lining they can get their hands on today.

Tony Cingrani will face the Rays for the first time in his young career and will try to obtain his first victory of the season against them. In fact, Cingrani will make his fist start this season today that does not involve pitching to any member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Hopefully, Cingrani can continue performing well against teams who have never seen his fastball, or more importantly, his face before.

Joey Votto is slated to bat second in the lineup, which should satiate some contingent in Reds Country while equally infuriating another portion of it. Meanwhile, Price will keep the faith with Hamilton batting leadoff and the free-swinging Brandon Phillips batting third. Speaking of free-swinging, Ryan Ludwick will drop to sixth and Todd Frazier will hit cleanup today in front of Jay Bruce. Perhaps this mild shake up will be what the doctor ordered in an attempt to get the bats hot and the runs flowing like a Red torrent for the first time in what seems to be twenty-eight days.

Dogs and cats are living together. The Cubs are not in last place. Dunkin Donuts has a donut made out of Peeps. Help us, Cincinnati Reds, you're our only hope. Go Reds!