The Cincinnati Reds (41-36) host the Atlanta Braves (49-27) at Great American Ball Park on Sunday with the three-game series even at 1-1. The Braves leveled the series 1-1 after winning 7-6 on Saturday, their fourth head-to-head victory in five games this season.
Reliever Michael Tonkin was credited with the win after throwing 2.1 scoreless innings, and Raisel Iglesias struck out the side in the ninth to earn his 11th save.
Travis d’Arnaud was 4 for 5 with a solo home run in the win. Matt Olson added a home run and a double. He scored two runs and had two RBIs. Will Benson went 1 for 1 with a solo home run for the Reds. Jake Fraley added a solo home run.
ON THE MOUND
Charlie Morton (6-6, 3.71 ERA) is slated for the start for Atlanta. The RHP allowed five runs (three earned) over five innings in his last start, a 14-6 road win over the Rockies on June 18. He got the win, giving up five hits while striking out eight and walking three.
Morton is making his first appearance against the Reds this season. Over two starts against the Reds in 2022, Morton was 1-0 with a 1.46 ERA over 12.1 innings. He had 15 strikeouts and two walks.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged 8.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 5.5, while slashing better across the board (.327/.389/.628).
Cincinnati is averaging 7.0 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.9 for the season, with a higher slash line (.283/.360/.596). The Reds have a .739 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .925 OPS over 165 at-bats, Fraley has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Atlanta is 25-12 on the road in 2023, scoring 5.6 runs per game while allowing 3.6 runs. Cincinnati has gone 21-19 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 5.0 runs per game while surrendering 5.6.
The teams have split their last 10 meetings at Great American Ball Park, though Atlanta has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.6-3.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Braves lead the NL East by six games over the Marlins. The Reds lead the NL Central by one game over the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves (-165)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
