The Cincinnati Reds (12-15) are on the road to face the Oakland Athletics (5-23) at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Sunday with the visitors looking to sweep the three-game Interleague series. The Reds lead the series 2-0 after winning 3-2 on Saturday, their fifth straight victory overall.
Reliever Casey Legumina was credited with the win after throwing one scoreless inning, and Alexis Diaz struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his fourth save. Luke Maile was 1 for 1 with a solo home run in the win. Jake Fraley added a double and two RBIs. Ramon Laureano went 1 for 3 with a double and one run for the Athletics. Aledmys Diaz added one RBI on one hit.
ON THE MOUND
Nick Lodolo (2-1, 6.31 ERA) is in line to start for Cincinnati. The LHP allowed six runs over four innings in his last start, a 7-6 road win over the Rangers on Monday. He scattered nine hits while striking out six and walking two in the no-decision. For Oakland, lefty Ken Waldichuk (0-2, 7.82 ERA) will toe the rubber.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds. In his last start on Monday, Waldichuk took a no-decision on the road against the Angels. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up five runs on six hits, striking out two and walking one in the 11-10 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged 6.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.5, while performing better across the board (.304/.381/.440). Against left-handed pitchers like Waldichuk this season, the Reds have a .677 OPS.
Kevin Newman is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .939 OPS in 22 at-bats. Oakland is averaging 4.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 3.9 for the season. The A’s have a .756 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.227 OPS over 25 at-bats, Jesus Aguilar has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cincinnati is 3-9 away from home in 2023, scoring 3.7 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. Oakland has lost nine in a row at home. The A’s are 2-12 at home this season, averaging 3.2 runs per game while surrendering 7.5. Cincinnati is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum with an average scoreline of 3.7-3.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Reds are fourth in the NL Central, seven games behind the division-leading Pirates. The Athletics are fifth in the AL West, 10 games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cincinnati Reds (-155)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
