Cincinnati Reds (25-17) vs Philadelphia Phillies (20-22)
The Cincinnati Reds were on a fantastic roll heading into last night’s game against Philadelphia. The Reds had won 6 in a row and 8 of 10 to put some pressure on the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central.
Saturday May 18
Citizens Bank Park
4:05PM
Probable Starters:
CIN: Bronson Arroyo (R)
PHI: Kyle Kendrick (R)
Moneyline: Philadelphia -109, Cincinnati -101 at SBO
O/U: 8
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Cincinnati
Several Reds are enjoying excellent seasons at the plate. For 1B Joey Votto it is no surprise but I doubt many thought 2B Brandon Phillips would be leading the league in RBIs.
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OF Shin Soo Choo has been a very good addition leading the team in homers and steals from the top of the order.
Cincinnati has been getting solid pitching from some unexpected sourcees like rookie Tony Singrani but at the same time stalwarts like Bronson Arroyo has been up to their usual tricks.
With an offense like the Reds have Arroyo has the luxury of getting a chance to win more often than not.
He has one win already against Philly this season, a game that happens to be his best start of the season, back in April.
I am not a fan of Arroyo whose stuff is just average. He is pretty crafty I suppose but crafty doesn’t inpsire a lot of confidence amongst bettors generally.
Philadelphia
The Phillies have not been great this season but with the Braves and Nationals scuffling they are not that far off the pace in the National League East.[dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
It is actually pretty amazing that they are not near the bottom of the standings given how little they are getting from player like 1B Ryan Howard or starters Cole Hamels and Roy Halladay – now injured. Philadelphia is an aged team but the track records of the players they have are fantastic.
You have to think that as the weather warms up they should start playing better as long as they stay healthy.
One of the saving graces for Philly with Halladay hurt and Hamels struggling has been the performance of Kyle Kendrick. A solid 4th or 5th guy the last couple of seasons he has emerged this year.
The formula is simple: give up less walks and homers while missing a few more bats. At the risk of being dramatic you could say that he is saving their season and he is the best reason to be thinking about getting behind Philadelphia in this one.
He has made just one start against Cincinnati and it was earlier this year – 7 innings, 0 runs allowed.
I think the Reds can get back to winning on Saturdya afternoon behind Arroyo. I am not buying that Kendrick is truly a pitcher to be feared and like Cincinnati in this very slight underdog role.
Their lineup is better and they are playing well right now so they can easily bounce back against Philadelphia.
O/U Pick: Over Score
Prediction: Cincinnati 6 – Philadelphia 4
