The Cincinnati Reds head to AT&T Park to take on the San Francisco Giants in a rematch of the 2012 NL Division Series.
These teams have played each other tough over the last several seasons, with both sides having their highs and lows.
This time the Giants and Reds face off for a crucial four game series, one that will push both teams past the halfway mark of their respective schedules.
Records:
Giants: 46-32, 1st place in NL West, 3.5 games ahead of Los Angeles
Reds: 39-38, tied 3rd in NL Central, 7.5 games behind Milwaukee
Season Series: Giants lead 2-1
San Francisco Outlook: Tim Lincecum put a good spin on an otherwise negative series against San Diego, tossing his second no-hitter in the last calendar year.
That performance temporarily puts the team's recent struggles on the back burner, but San Francisco is still 4-11 in their last 15 games.
Matt Cain and Tim Hudson have both struggled during that span, going 0-3 with a 8.83 ERA and 1-2 with a 5.71 ERA, respectively.
The Giants are also without Angel Pagan, who was placed on the disabled list Wednesday with back discomfort.
While the injuries and poor play are concerning, San Francisco has reason for optimism in the form of Joe Panik – who is taking over the second base position – and the eventual return of Brandon Belt.
Cincinnati Outlook: The Reds are treading water in the NL Central, sitting seven and a half games behind Milwaukee.
Considering Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Aroldis Chapman, Mat Latos and Devin Mesoraco have all missed time due to injury this year, the Reds current position is actually quite impressive.
Johnny Cueto (7-5, 1.89 ERA) and Alfredo Simon (10-3, 2.92 ERA) have anchored the rotation in Latos' absence, and the pitching has been solid overall.
Surprisingly, it's the offense that has been the problem in Cincinnati – they rank 22nd in baseball with 303 runs scored.
With a fully healthy lineup for the first time all season, the Reds have averaged seven runs per game over their last 10, suggesting the offense is finally breaking out of a season long funk.
What to watch for:
Homer Bailey (7-4, 4.80 ERA) takes the mound for the series finale on Sunday, as he squares off against Tim Hudson (7-4, 2.62 ERA).
San Francisco is looking to finally solve Bailey – who has never lost to the Giants in seven career starts, and threw a no-hitter against them last year in Cincinnati.
Bailey vs. Hudson isn't even the best pitching matchup of the series though, as Johnny Cueto (7-5, 1.89 ERA) faces Madison Bumgarner (9-4, 2.63 ERA) on Friday, in a duel of two likely All-stars.
Beyond the mound, the Reds' success may depend on Votto and Bruce turning things around. Each have struggled more than usual this season, leaving the Cincinnati lineup with a big hole in the order.
Votto in particular has posted a very unusual .266 average, suggesting he isn't 100 percent healed from a nagging knee injury suffered earlier in the season.
Buster Posey went 4-4 on Wednesday, although no one will remember that in the wake of Lincecum's no-hitter.
Still, after a cold month of May, Posey has been on fire in June, posting a .366 batting average with 14 RBI's, collecting hits in 19 of 21 games.
What they're saying – Giants:
The meaning of Tim Lincecum's no-hitter (McCovey Chronicles)
Bochy meets with starters to address struggles (SFGiants.com)
What they're saying – Reds:
Pipleline perspectives: Reds have minors best rotation (Reds.com)
Homer-happy Mesoraco making All-star case (Reds.com)
For more content by Chris Kersevan, check out his writer’s page and on Twitter @cker7
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