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Gritty Guardians Visit Rising Reds in Ohio Rivalry: A Preview
The Cleveland Guardians, sitting pretty atop the American League Central, are set to clash with the Cincinnati Reds, who’ve been on fire this month, in the opening game of their Ohio rivalry series this Tuesday night in Cincinnati. Both squads are eager to keep their streaks alive and claim bragging rights in the Buckeye State.
Guardians Eyeing Playoff Success
The Guardians have been on a roll, standing 20 games over .500 and leading the AL Central. After bagging two wins against the Miami Marlins over the weekend, they’re looking to keep that momentum going.
“We want it,” Guardians outfielder Tyler Freeman said about their playoff push. “Last season was tough, but we promised ourselves it wouldn’t happen again. This year, we have a little extra grit.”
Rising Reds on a Hot Streak
While the Reds are two games under .500, they’ve been red-hot lately, boasting a 12-4 run. Although their seven-game winning streak was snapped by a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, they’re still brimming with confidence.
“We’ve seen how things pay off when you handle them the right way,” Reds manager David Bell said. “It creates a confidence and belief that this group can achieve great things.”
However, history hasn’t been on the Reds’ side in this rivalry. Since 2015, they’ve struggled against the Guardians at home, with a 6-15 record.
Keep up with all the games’ details with our Live MLB Odds, Lines & Scores
Player Highlights: Guardians
Jose Ramirez: Ramirez continues to dazzle, batting .328 with 37 RBIs over the last 31 games. He’s been particularly lethal against the Reds, hitting .385 with six home runs and 23 RBIs in his last 16 games against them.
Steven Kwan: Kwan has been a standout this season, batting .370. Since coming back from a hamstring injury, he’s gone 10-for-21 in six games. However, his career stats against the Reds aren’t as stellar, with a 4-for-29 record over eight games.
Player Highlights: Reds
Jeimer Candelario: Although he went 0-for-4 against the Cubs on Sunday, Candelario has been hot in June, batting .308 with three home runs and six RBIs. His track record against the Guardians’ scheduled starter Triston McKenzie includes a home run but only two hits in 13 at-bats.
Pitching Matchups
Triston McKenzie (Guardians): McKenzie’s season has been a mixed bag, with a strong stretch from April 19 to May 17 where he posted a 2.10 ERA in six starts. His last three starts, however, have been rocky, with a 7.04 ERA and 12 runs allowed on eight home runs. Despite these struggles, the Guardians won all three games, scoring a total of 27 runs.
Reds’ Bullpen Strategy: Initially set to start Hunter Greene, the Reds will now rely on their bullpen, with Nick Martinez likely playing a key role. Martinez has been stellar in relief, allowing just one run, three hits, and striking out seven without a walk in his last 9 1/3 innings.
Historical Context
The Ohio rivalry has tilted in favor of the Guardians in recent years, especially in Cincinnati. The Reds’ 6-15 home record against the Guardians since 2015 adds an extra challenge for the home team.
Conclusion
The upcoming game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Cincinnati Reds promises to be a nail-biter. The Guardians aim to solidify their dominance in the AL Central and extend their winning streak, while the Reds hope to ride their recent momentum and turn the tide in their favor against their in-state rivals.
Will the Reds’ newfound confidence and strong bullpen be enough to overcome the Guardians’ grit and formidable lineup? Ohio baseball fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting for the showdown.
