The Reds dipped back below .500 with their loss to Arizona yesterday, continuing their struggles. That home series was a lost opportunity but another one is on its way at Miami. <\/p>\n
Cincinnati Reds (53-54) vs. Miami Marlins (53-54)<\/strong>
\n Thursday July 31<\/strong>
\n Marlins Park – Miami, FL<\/strong>
\n 7:10PM<\/strong>
\nProbable Pitchers<\/strong>
\n CIN: Johnny Cueto (R)<\/strong>
\n MIA: Tom Koehler (R)<\/strong>
\nMoneyline: Cincinnati -127, Miami +117<\/strong>
\n Total: 6.5<\/strong>
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Cincinnati<\/h3>\n
In fact they don\u2019t play a team currently with a winning record until August 18 – St. Louis.<\/p>\n
It is a golden chance to make up ground but it has to start now. Even though their biggest bats – Votto, Phillips and now Bruce (bereavement) won\u2019t suit up for this one they need to scratch together enough runs to given their ace a chance.<\/p>\n
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Johnny Cueto is enjoying good health and another strong season as the ace of the Reds.<\/p>\n
He is among ML leaders in most categories and is coming off a superb start against Washington in his last appearance. Sure his home road splits show a preference for home cooking but his road ERA is under 2.50 so I will take it.
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\nHis team is at a critical point in the season and he has to keep pitching like he has been.<\/p>\nMiami<\/h3>\n
The Marlins were a factor early in the season when they were just wicked good at home. Now that that edge has faded they have become the team we expected – it is just too bad that Jose Fernandez went down.<\/p>\n
They are playing some good ball right now having won 8 of 10 but until they get over the .500 mark there is not much for the Braves or Nats to worry about.<\/p>\n
By the end of this weekend one of these teams could still be in the race, technically, and if the Fish can me masters of their domain it could be them.<\/p>\n
Tom Koehler is an underrated member of the Marlins staff.<\/p>\n
He is not nearly as touted as others but he has evolved into a dependable #3 or 4, with the occasional ace like outing. Similar to the other Marlins starters he is much more effective at home. After 4 straight road starts he looks to extend his home scoreless streak to a second outing.<\/p>\n
Koehler is harder to hit than he looks.<\/p>\n
Coming off a great outing Cueto is showing no signs of fatigue even though last season was cut short due to injury. He should be able to dominate a Marlins lineup that is light around the big bat of Giancarlo Stanton.<\/p>\n
The Reds are missing some key offensive players so I don\u2019t think there are going to be too many fireworks in this one.<\/p>\n