Reds and Dbacks for Four

Here’s a look at the pitching probables for the four-game series beginning this evening between the NL Central leading Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks

Game 1: Barry Enright (6-3, 2.95) v. Bronson Arroyo (14-10, 4.09) 7:10 ET
Enright is coming off his worst outing in his young MLB career. He allowed 6 runs and 9 hits while going 6 innings against the San Francisco Giants. He also served up 4 homers in the affair. This will be the Reds first look at the young righty.

Bronson Arroyo is (again) going after his 15th win which would tie a career high. He’s not had much success in his last three starts going 0-3 with an ERA of 6.75.  Arroyo is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA against Arizona this year. Cincinnati needs Arroyo to get back on track, too. Up until this recent stretch of poor performances, he was more their staff “ace” than anyone.

Game 2: Daniel Hudson (5-1, 1.91) v. Travis Freakin’ Wood (5-2, 3.33) 7:10 PM
Unlike Enright, Hudson’s last outing was magnificent. 7 innings of one-hit ball provided the Dbacks just the outing they needed from Hudson to avoid a Giants sweep. Hudson took the loss on Cincy’s visit to Chase Field last month in allowing 3 runs and 9 hits in 7. He also whiffed 10 Reds in that game. That has been Hudson’s only career appearance against the Reds.

Cincinnati will counter with our fave here at BRM, Travis Wood. Wood’s last two outing was a 5 inning, 3 runs effort in Colorado. The Reds eventually lost that one, leaving Wood with a no decision. This will mark Wood’s second appearance against the Dbacks. In his first one, Wood hurled 6.1 innings allowing just one run on four hits. He won’t blow you over with his speed, but he’ll dissect you with his precision control. If he has a hard time finding the strike zone early, it’s not his night, but he will still battle to work innings.

Game 3: Joe Saunders (2-5, 4.88) v. Homer Bailey (3-3, 4.70) 7:10 PM
Saunders, who arrived in Arizona in the Dan Haren deal, has struggled as of late. Saunders last look at the Reds was not enjoyable as he surrendered 4 runs in 6 innings. He also allowed two homers. I thought Saunders coming to the NL would be a lift. He was kind of lost in the shuffle for the Angels and he has enough stuff to compete on an every game basis.

Bailey is coming off a fantastic outing where the Reds bullpen failed to seal the deal. Even though Homer has been around for a bit, this will be only his second start against Arizona. He has no record and a 1.80 ERA in his only outing. Baily is one of three pitchers vying for that #4 starters spot on the Reds postseason roster. Another good outing here will go a long way.

Game 4: Rodrigo Lopez (5-14, 5.13) v. Edinson Volquez (3-2, 5.14) 12:35 PM
Lopez is 1-0 with a 6.10 ERA in his career against Cincy. While Lopez may not have the record, he eats innings and is always willing to take one for the team. He just takes the ball and the mound and pitches. No, it isn’t pretty. It isn’t necessarily effective either, but Lopez can toss a gem every once in a while.

Volquez pitched as masterful 7 innings on his re-introduction into the starting staff. One hit in seven innings and 10 K. The one aspect of Volquez game that bites him is usually his lack of control which leads to walks. We all know how much walks can haunt.

The Reds need a win in tonight’s game to erase the memory of yet another that got away. With Arroyo on the hill at home, things are looking bright.