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The Reds will try to give all the fathers in Cincinnati something to smile about today as they wrap up their rain-shortened series with the Miami Marlins at Great American Ballpark. Michael Lorenzen will take the mound for the Reds while the Marlins will counter with former-Yankee David Phelps.
Sunday will mark Lorenzen's eleventh start in the majors. After a poor outing in Chicago where he failed to make it out of the fifth inning while giving up five earned runs, Lorenzen bounced back against Detroit this past Tuesday, tossing 6 innings and giving up only 1 earned run. Over Lorenzen's 48.2 innings pitched this season, has struck out 30 batters while walking 28.
Since coming over from the Yankees with Martin Prado, David Phelps has continued his career as a serviceable starting pitcher. In 12 starts in 2015, Phelps has an ERA of 3.96, a record of 4-3, and a WHIP of 1.280. Like Lorenzen, he isn't a power pitcher, amassing only 50 strikeouts in 72.2 innings. However, Phelps has only walked 19 batters thus far this year.
Sunday will not mark the first time David Phelps has faced current members of the Reds. Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce, and Billy Hamilton failed to reach first in their 11 combined plate appearances against Phelps. However, great person Brayan Pena is 2 for 3 lifetime against Phelps with 2 home runs.
The Reds have won 11 of their last 20 games, inching them closer to a .500 record. A win against the Marlins on Sunday will bring them ever so closer to the prospect of having a winning record by the All Star Break. If they accomplish this, they'll be sure to win an attaboy prior to the dismantling of the team.
Go Reds. At least they're not being investigated by G-Men!
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