Reds vs. Rockies, Game Two - Preview and Lineups

The Reds cranked home run after home run to grab the series opening victory last night. The way the balls were flying out of the park, you’d think they were playing at Colorado rather than just against Colorado. Though, it’s not like GABP has a knack for keeping the ball in the park, but I digress.

The Reds will try to grab the series clincher today, in what is going to be a steamy one. Game time temperature is expected to be right about 90 degrees, with the “feels like” temperature reaching 97-98. Mother Nature is a top of the line pitching prospect today.

And, who better to turn to in these conditions than the veteran Wade Miley. Hopefully his quick working ways wear down the Rockies before it wears down himself in this weather.

Miley, as you know if you’re reading this blog, has been fantastic all season. He’s already racked up 2.4 bWAR on the year, in 10 starts. That number already outpaces every other season in his 11 year career but one. He put up 3.1 bWAR back in his Rookie of the Year Runner Up season in 2012.

It also marks the 10th best bWAR for pitchers in the National League. He’s been good, is what I’m saying.

He’ll be opposed by the Rockies German Marquez, who is putting up another typical solid season. He’s got a 3.91 ERA through 71.1 innings pitched, with a 3.57 FIP, which would end the second best mark of his career. The one thing that the Reds could take advantage of today is walks; Marquez’s 4.3 BB/9 rate is nearly a full two points higher than his career average.

Marquez is on a bit of a roll right now, though. He’s given up a grand total of three runs over his previous four starts, spanning 26 innings pitched. Opponents are batting .146/.208/.225 over that span, with a miniscule .197 BABIP.

Go Reds.

Reds lineup

Rockies lineup