Andrew Abbott is expected to make his first start of the season as the Cincinnati Reds (26-33) match up against the Milwaukee Brewers (32-27) at Great American Ball Park on Monday with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the four-game series.
The Brewers lead the series 3-0 after winning 5-1 on Sunday. Starter Adrian Houser went seven innings to get the win, giving up one run on six hits. Andruw Monasterio was 1 for 1 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Victor Caratini added a solo home run. Jake Fraley went 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Reds.
ON THE MOUND
Julio Teheran (1-1, 0.82 ERA) is in line to get the start for Milwaukee. The righty allowed one run (zero earned) over six innings in his last start, a 4-2 road win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday. He earned the win, scattering four hits with no strikeouts and no walks.LHP Abbott gets the ball for Cincinnati, his season debut.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Milwaukee has averaged 5.0 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.1. Against lefties like Abbott this season, the Brew Crew have a .629 OPS, the lowest in MLB. Joey Wiemer is the team’s strongest hitter against left-handers with a .945 OPS in 48 at-bats.
Cincinnati is averaging only 4.0 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.6 for the season. The Reds have a .703 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .887 OPS over 120 at-bats, TJ Friedl has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Milwaukee is 16-15 away from home in 2023, scoring 3.9 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Cincinnati has lost four in a row at Great American Ball Park.
The Reds are 14-17 at home this season, averaging 4.7 runs per game while surrendering 5.5. In the last 10 games between the NL Central rivals at Great American Ball Park, Milwaukee is 9-1 with an average scoreline of 5.9-3.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Brewers lead the NL Central by zero games over the Pirates. The Reds are third in the NL Central, five games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cincinnati Reds (-135)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
