The Cincinnati Reds look to build momentum going into the All-Star Break and have a golden opportunity to do so on Saturday when they play host to the Miami Marlins.on Saturday.
Miami Marlins vs. Cincinnati Reds (-166, 9)
The Marlins enter this series struggling on offense, ranking last with 2.9 runs per game on the road and second-worst in overall scoring with just under 3.5 runs per game.
Starting pitcher Edward Cabrera will look to keep the Reds in check and dial in his command as Cabrera enters Saturday with a 6.84 ERA despite getting 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings due in large part to issuing 5.4 walks per nine innings.
With Cabrera’s 4.37 fielding independent, positive regression should come if he buttons up the command and gets to face a Reds offense that is scoring just 4.3 runs per game at home, ranking 18th in runs per game at home while their .227 home batting average entering the series ranked last in the National League.
Since May 1, Miami is ninth among MLB teams in bullpen ERA with a 3.64 ERA while their bullpen fielding independent in that span ranks second in the league while the Reds 3.41 ERA in the bullpen ranks eighth in this span.
Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott enters Saturday with a 3.06 ERA and having allowed two runs or fewer in each of his past four starts.
With the Marlins overall woes at the plate coupled with two good bullpens and the Reds lineup averaging more runs per game away from home than at home, Saturday’s game sets up to be a fun one for the pitchers.
The Play: Marlins vs. Reds Under 9 Runs
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