Rockies at Reds, Game 1 - Preview and Lineups

Y’know that final scene in Kingpin when Big Ern and Munson face off in a bowling showdown of somewhat less than epic proportions?

Well, on Friday, the 46-54 Cincinnati Reds will host the 48-55 Colorado Rockies in the first game of a weekend series, and it’s got the makings of a somewhat similar showdown, in that at the moment, they’re both pretty much losers - but one of them has to win.

It has the chance to be a real come to Zeus moment for both of these clubs, as they both continue to sink in the standings in the crowded NL Wild Card race (and in the NL Central, in the Reds case), and with the July 31st trade deadline now just a handful of days away, a lift-off or a nose-dive for either of these clubs could the final dictative move of their 2019 seasons. Heck, there have already been rumors that the Rockies are willing to move on from their bearded wonder in Charlie Blackmon, with the Reds even rumored as a logical landing spot for him. A sweep by the Rockies this weekend could have a completely flip-flopped result in some form or fashion on the rumor-rater, in all honesty.

The Reds will send their best hope to the mound to begin Friday, with Luis Castillo on the bump. Meanwhile, the Rockies will turn to German Marquez, a player that Baseball Reference somehow values at 3.0 bWAR this season despite his unsightly 4.99 ERA. Whatever.

First pitch is set for an early 6:40 PM ET tonight due to a post-game concert by whatever a ‘Zedd’ is, so plan accordingly.

Go Reds. Do the damn thing.

CIN Lineup

ROX Lineup