Reds v. Cleveland, Game 1 - News, Lineups, & Pitching Matchups

News

• The Reds picked a good time to play some bad teams and are now sporting a five game winning streak. They are ten games above .500 for the first time in like a decade. They are five games back of the division leading Brewers and two and a half games back of San Diego for the 2nd wildcard spot. Tonight is game 113 which means there are 49 games left this season. There is plenty of time for the Reds to not only catch the Padres but also overtake the Brewers. They are the hottest team in baseball right now and are about to start a big road trip.
• The Reds start the road trip with a one game make up in Cleveland. They’ll basically be getting off the plane, playing the game, and then jumping back on to travel to Atlanta. Atlanta is a team that has tempered itself since the loss of their superstar, Ronald Acuna Jr., but at 57-55 are no slouch. Then they go to Philadelphia to face the Phillies who, like the Reds, are one of the hottest teams in baseball. They are currently riding an eight game win streak and Bryce Harper looks like a MVP candidate once again. It also help that they have Zach Wheeler. A lot is riding on this road trip and if the Reds can simply go 4-3 that would be huge.
• Why? When the Reds return they face off with the Cubs and Marlins at home over seven games. That’s where the biggest moves can be made before the Reds go to Milwaukee for a huge three game set against the Brewers. August baseball is about to be fun baseball and everyone that is a fan of this team better be awake.
• To put things in a greater perspective the Reds only play eleven more games against teams with a positive run differential. Shockingly, that does not include the Phillies and the three games against Milwaukee later this month will be the last time they face off this year.
• Luis Castillo takes the mound this evening against Cleveland. If you’re going to start a road trip off right, it helps to have the hottest pitcher on staff leading the charge.
• If the Reds win tonight they will retain the Ohio Cup for another year if you’re into that kind of thing.
• Before any mouth breathers start mouth breathing, Eugenio Suarez is in at third because Cleveland is starting a lefty. A lefty with a 7+ ERA and a 2+ WHIP.
• You wanna feel old? Today is Deion Sanders’ 54th birthday.

Roster Moves

• I see none.

Game Info

6:10 ET - Cleveland, Ohio

Lineups

Reds Lineup:

Cleveland Lineup:

Myles Straw - CF

Amed Rosario - SS

Jose Ramirez - 3B

Franmil Reyes - DH

Harold Ramirez - LF

Bradley Zimmer - RF

Wilson Ramos - C

Owen Miller - 1B

Andres Gimenez - 2B

Sam Hentges - LHP

Pitching Matchups

Luis Castillo: 6-10, 4.09 ERA, 23 GS, 127.2 IP, 128 K, 1.39 WHIP

Sam Hentges: 1-4, 7.86 ERA, 17 G, 8 GS, 44.2 IP, 45 K, 2.01 WHIP