Reds vs. Marlins: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. Marlins.

Wade Miley (10-4 2.88 ERA) opens the weekend festivities tonight opposing Zach Thompson (2-5 2.97 ERA) of the Marlins. The Cincinnati left-hander scuffled in his last trip to the mound against these very same Marlins, lasting just 4.2 innings and failing to qualify for a victory.

Miami had plenty of opportunities to break through versus Miley as they collected five hits and three free passes. However, the Marlins could plate just two runs against the southpaw in an eventual 7-4 Redlegs win.

Right-hander Zach Thompson was impressive in his first career start versus the Reds. Tossing five frames, the 27-year-old rookie held Cincinnati scoreless following a two-run blast from Nick Castellanos in the first inning. The Texan has been especially tough at LoanDepot Park, compiling an impressive 2.27 ERA in six starts.

Saturday night is alright for Vladimir Gutierrez (9-4 3.68 ERA) as he squares off against Sandy Alcantara (7-12 3.35 ERA). After limiting the Marlins to one run in seven innings this past Sunday, the Reds right-hander became the first Cincinnati pitcher since Mat Latos in 2013 to make six consecutive starts tossing 6-plus frames and allowing two runs or less.

The next victory for the Cuban will also make him the first Reds rookie to earn double-digit victories in a season since Scott Williamson in 1999. If those accolades weren’t enough, he’s also a dazzling 6-1 with a 2.92 ERA outside of Great American Ball Park.

Sandy Alcantara was the hard-luck loser in his start against Gutierrez last week. The right-hander allowed just two runs on four hits over seven innings while fanning 11 Reds. In two career starts versus Cincinnati, he’s whiffed an astounding 19 Redlegs in just 13 frames.

Sunday afternoon’s matinee series finale will feature Tyler Mahle (10-4 3.69 ERA) battling Jesus Luzardo (4-7 7.91 ERA) for manager Don Mattingly’s Marlins. It was another typical road performance from Mahle in his last trip to the mound.

Working 5.2 innings against the Brewers, the right-hander yielded just one run while punching out eight Beer Makers. However, the bullpen failed to protect a 4-1 Cincinnati lead as the Reds went down to defeat 7-4 on Tuesday night.

How good has Mahle been on the road this season? Try 7-1 with a 1.84 ERA good. Additionally, the Reds right-hander has abused left-handers this year, limiting them to a paltry .183/.262/.279 slash line.

Since being acquired from the Oakland A’s in the Starling Marte deal, it’s been tough going for left-hander Jesus Luzardo. In five starts as a member of the Marlins, he’s compiled a 9.67 ERA by allowing 31 hits, a staggering 17 walks, and five round-trippers in only 22.1 innings. Yikes. This will be his first start against the Reds in his career.