Free MLB Picks Today: Cincinnati Reds vs San Diego Padres 7/2/23

The San Diego Padres (38-45) are on the road to face the Cincinnati Reds (44-39) at Great American Ball Park on Sunday with the three-game series in the balance

The Padres evened the series 1-1 after winning 12-5 on Saturday, their third head-to-head victory in five games this season. Starter Michael Wacha went five innings, allowing one run on five hits, to get the win.

Manny Machado was 2 for 5 with two home runs and three RBIs in the win. Matt McLain went 2 for 4 with two doubles, one run, and one RBI for the Reds. Jonathan India added a home run and four RBIs.

ON THE MOUND

For Cincinnati, lefty Andrew Abbott (4-0, 1.21 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Padres. In his last start on Tuesday, Abbott got the win on the road against the Orioles. He threw six innings and gave up one run on two hits, striking out eight and walking three in the 3-1 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, San Diego has averaged 5.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.3. Against left-handed pitchers like Abbott this season, the Padres have a .778 OPS, the highest in MLB.

Fernando Tatis Jr. is the team’s best hitter against left-handers with a 1.058 OPS in 60 at-bats. Cincinnati is averaging 5.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.0 for the season.

HOME AND AWAY

San Diego is 18-23 on the road in 2023, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Cincinnati has gone 22-21 at home this season, averaging 5.0 runs per game while surrendering 5.7.

In the last 10 games at Great American Ball Park between the teams, San Diego is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 6.1-4.9.