Cubs at Reds, Game Two - Preview and Lineups

Four wins in a row. Seven wins in the last nine games. Heck, even a 26-27 record since the abysmal 3-18 start to the season.

In other words, the Cincinnati Reds overall record might stink to high heaven, but the fact is that they’ve been playing some half-decent baseball for quite a while now. In fact, it’s been borderline enjoyable for the first time in a long time.

Part of what’s allowed them to have their recent run of success is just about as obvious as it gets: they’ve finally, finally had a good run of starting pitching, and that paired with their emerging offense and rock solid bullpen makes for a pretty good winning recipe.

Luis Castillo will look to join that party in his start on Friday night against the Chicago Cubs. His 17 dingers allowed is currently the most among all NL pitchers, which is something he’ll obviously look to limit. Six of those have come in his last 4 GS, a rough stretch that’s seen him allow 16 ER in just 20.2 IP, all of which as come directly after he had a strong stretch of 5 GS where he posted a 2.83 ERA in 28.2 IP.

The Cubs will send lefty Jose Quintana to the mound, who struggled at the start of the year but comes in on quite the roll. In his last 6 GS, he’s allowed just 20 H in 34.0 IP, owning a 2.65 ERA in that time while hitters have posted just a .546 OPS against him during that streak. Of course, Cincinnati hitters have posted a collective .345 OBP against LHP this year - which ranks as the second best in all MLB - and also rank among the top 10 in the league in wRC+ against them.

First pitch is set for 7:10 PM ET. Go Reds.

Cincinnati Lineup

Chicago Lineup