Reds vs Marlins Baseball Picks
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.
Cincinnati Reds (53-54) vs. Miami Marlins (53-54)
Thursday July 31
Marlins Park – Miami, FL
7:10PM
Probable Pitchers
CIN: Johnny Cueto (R)
MIA: Tom Koehler (R)
Moneyline: Cincinnati -127, Miami +117
Total: 6.5
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Cincinnati
In fact they don’t play a team currently with a winning record until August 18 – St. Louis.
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’t suit up for this one they need to scratch together enough runs to given their ace a chance.
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Johnny Cueto is enjoying good health and another strong season as the ace of the Reds.
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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His team is at a critical point in the season and he has to keep pitching like he has been.
Miami
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.
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.
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.
Tom Koehler is an underrated member of the Marlins staff.
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.
Koehler is harder to hit than he looks.
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.
The Reds are missing some key offensive players so I don’t think there are going to be too many fireworks in this one.
Total prediction: Under
Score prediction: Cincinnati 4 – Miami 1
