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

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. Dodgers

Luis Castillo (7-15 4.24 ERA) gets the call in the opener tonight as the Dodgers counter with Walker Buehler (14-3 2.32 ERA). In a season of missed opportunities for La Piedra, his last outing versus the Cardinals may have been the most painful to date.

Staked to a four-run advantage, Castillo could not hold down the Redbirds as he allowed four runs in seven innings before the Reds eventually went down to defeat on a two-out, two-run homer from Nolan Arenado off Lucas Sims in the bottom of the eighth.

Over his career, La Piedra has been a handful for the Dodgers. In three starts, he’s unbeaten in two decisions with 24 punchouts in only 17.1 frames. Needless to say, the Reds could use a similar performance this evening in the worst way.

Cincinnati has been one of the few teams that have roughed up Walker Buehler this season. The Redlegs plated five runners on seven hits off the LA right-hander during an April 27th start at Dodger Stadium. Look for Mike Moustakas to be in David Bell’s starting lineup tonight. Moose is 4-for-11 lifetime versus Buehler.

Saturday afternoon finds Sonny Gray (7-7 3.80 ERA) battling Max Scherzer (14-4 2.17 ERA) of the Dodgers. Even though he’s seeking his first victory since 2015 against LA, Sonny Gray has been tough versus Hollywood’s best.

Making three career starts against the Dodgers, Gray is 1-2 with a sparkling 2.18 ERA. Tossing 20.2 innings, he’s fanned 29 Dodger hitters. In addition, his 11 Ks against LA in an April 28th start at Dodger Stadium are a season-high for the Cincinnati right-hander.

Even though Max Scherzer may be on his way to a fourth Cy Young trophy this season, the Reds have been able to hang one of his four L’s on him. Powered by round-trippers from Kyle Farmer and Eugenio Suárez, the Redlegs defeated Mad Max in May while still a member of the Washington Nationals.

Sunday’s matinee series finale will feature Wade Miley (12-6 3.09) toeing the rubber as Clayton Kershaw (9-7 3.33 ERA) gets the assignment for Dave Robert’s club. Historically, September has been Miley’s most challenging month to navigate, and unfortunately, history is repeating itself.

Miley has been walloped for 11 earned runs and a horrifying 27 hits in 15.1 innings of work in three September starts. The Reds’ southpaw will need to tread carefully around Trea Turner. LA’s second baseman has collect hits in four of their six meetings.

Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw will be making his second start since being sidelined with left forearm tightness. So how long has it been since the Redlegs defeated the Dodgers left-hander? Try May of 2014 when a Brandon Phillips homer propelled the Reds to a 3-2 victory at Dodger Stadium.