The Cincinnati Reds (36-35) are on the road to face the Houston Astros (39-32) at Minute Maid Park on Sunday with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the three-game Interleague series.
The Reds lead the series 2-0 after winning 10-3 on Saturday, their seventh straight victory overall and fifth in a row head-to-head. Starter Hunter Greene got the win, giving up two runs on five hits over six innings.
Will Benson was 3 for 3 with a triple, one run, and two RBIs in the win. Jose Altuve went 4 for 4 with a solo home run and two doubles for the Astros.
ON THE MOUND
Luke Weaver (1-2, 6.23 ERA) is set to start for Cincinnati. The right-hander allowed three runs over 4.2 innings in his last start, a 5-4 road win over the Royals on Monday. He yielded five hits while striking out three and walking four in the no-decision.
RHP Ronel Blanco (1-0, 3.86 ERA) is on the mound for Houston. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds. In his last start on June 7, Blanco took a no-decision on the road against the Blue Jays. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on three hits, striking out five and walking four in the 3-2 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged 5.8 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.7, due in part to increased slugging (.438 vs .393).
Against righties like Blanco this season, the Reds have a .711 OPS, the highest in the league. Jake Fraley is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .866 OPS in 149 at-bats.
Houston is averaging only 3.2 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.4 for the season, with their on-base percentage dropping to .302 from .314.
The ‘Stros have a .696 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the highest in MLB. With a .970 OPS over 131 at-bats, Yordan Alvarez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cincinnati is on a seven-game winning streak away from Great American Ball Park, bringing their record to 19-17 in 2023. The Reds have scored 4.8 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.6 runs.
Houston has lost three in a row in front of their home fans. The ‘Stros are 20-17 at home this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. In the last 10 games between the teams at Minute Maid Park, Cincinnati is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.8-2.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Reds are second in the NL Central, zero games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Astros are second in the AL West, three games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-145)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
