The San Diego Padres (16-14) will have their work cut out for them against Graham Ashcraft at Petco Park on Tuesday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Cincinnati Reds (12-17).The Padres took Monday’s series opener 8-3, their seventh straight head-to-head victory.
Starter Blake Snell went six innings, allowing three runs on eight hits and striking out seven, to get the win, and Domingo Tapia pitched two scoreless innings to earn his first save of the season.
Trent Grisham went 3 for 4 with two doubles, one run, and one RBI in the win. Ha-Seong Kim added a home run and a double. He scored two runs and drove in three. Nick Senzel was 3 for 4 with a solo home run for the Reds. Luke Maile added one run on two hits.
ON THE MOUND
Ashcraft (2-0, 2.10 ERA) is in line to get the start for Cincinnati. The righty ranks fourth in the NL in ERA. Ashcraft allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-3 road win over the Rangers on Wednesday. He scattered three hits while striking out three and walking four in the no-decision.
RHP Michael Wacha (2-1, 6.75 ERA) gets the start for San Diego. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds. Wacha made one start against the Reds in 2022, throwing 5.2 innings for the Red Sox in a 2-1 home defeat on May 31.
He gave up three hits while striking out three in the loss. In his last start on Wednesday, Wacha took a no-decision on the road against the Cubs. He threw five innings and gave up three runs on four hits, striking out five and walking one in the 5-3 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged 5.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.4. Against righties like Wacha this season, the Reds have a .686 OPS. Jonathan India is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .800 OPS in 75 at-bats.
San Diego is averaging 7.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.3 for the season, with an improved slash line (.328/.402/.571). The Padres have a .717 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a 1.065 OPS over 72 at-bats, Xander Bogaerts has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cincinnati is 3-11 in away games in 2023, scoring 3.6 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. San Diego has won four in a row in front of their home fans.
The Padres are 8-8 at home this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.7. San Diego is 9-1 in the last 10 games at Petco Park between the teams with an average scoreline of 5.4-2.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Reds are fourth in the NL Central, eight games behind the division-leading Pirates. The Padres are third in the NL West, one games behind the Dodgers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
SD Padres (-200)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
