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Reds seek Hollywood-ending in upcoming 4-game series vs. the Dodgers

By Scott Boyken |
Cincinnati Reds v Los Angeles Dodgers
Cincinnati Reds v Los Angeles Dodgers / Harry How/GettyImages
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For the third time in as many series to begin the 2022 campaign, the Cincinnati Reds (2-4) will be participating in yet another home opener. This time it's the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers (3-2) under the bright lights in Hollywood as the 2022 premiere of "Late Night Reds" arrives.

Unfortunately, the Redlegs were unable to flip the scrip against Cleveland, who continued their domination of Cincinnati. As a result of being swept in the brief two-game set, the Ohio Cup won't be residing in the Queen City for an eighth consecutive season.

If yesterday was any indication, the Dodgers are as dangerous as New York City detective John McClane facing a group of international terrorists in a downtown skyscraper. Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw tossed seven perfect innings leading LA to a two-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins.

Will the Reds 4-game series in LA produce a Hollywood-ending?

As daunting as the task of visiting Dodger Stadium can be, the Redlegs have been unfazed by all the stars dotting the Los Angeles lineup card in recent years. Cincinnati is 6-4 in its last three visits to Tinseltown and captured series victories twice.

That's the good news. However, the bad news is the Reds have taken the season series from LA just once in their last seven attempts. Needless to say, besting the Dodgers in Chavez Ravine in a four-game series is a tall order.

The highlight of the series will be the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day on Friday, April 15th. Interestingly, this will be Cincinnati's second time honoring the ground-breaking Dodger legend in their last three trips to Los Angeles as the Reds were on-hand during the 2019 campaign as well.

Finally, not only will all players in Major League Baseball be wearing the No. 42 as tradition on Friday, but for the first time, the numbers will be in "Dodger Blue" throughout the majors, making this the only time it's acceptable to see our beloved Cincinnati Reds sporting that color.

Cincinnati Reds v Atlanta Braves
Cincinnati Reds v Atlanta Braves / Todd Kirkland/GettyImages

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. Dodgers

Apparently, the Cincinnati Reds pitching staff aren't the only ones who will be tossing curveballs this weekend in Los Angeles. It was revealed late yesterday afternoon that Cincinnati manager David Bell has tabbed Luis Cessa (0-0 0.00 ERA) as the starter for tonight's contest. The Dodgers will counter with All-Star right-hander Walker Buehler (1-0 3.60 ERA) for their home opener.

This will obviously be an "opener" type situation for the Redlegs considering Cessa has made just 19 starts in 157 career appearances over seven years and none since the 2018 campaign. Don't be surprised to see some roster movement among the pitching staff before tonight's first pitch.

Even though Walker Buehler wasn't overpowering in his 2022 debut, he was good enough to secure a victory on Opening Day in Colorado. Look for the 27-year-old to tread carefully around the Farm Dawg. Kyle Farmer is 4-for-8 with three doubles in their head-to-head meetings.

Jackie Robinson Day will feature Vladimir Gutierrez (0-1 4.15 ERA) battling Tony Gonsolin (0-0 3.00 ERA) for Dave Roberts club. Following a shaky first inning in his season debut, Gutierrez regrouped before dropping a 2-1 decision to the Atlanta Braves.

This will be the Cuban right-handers first appearance against the Dodgers. Throwing strikes will be paramount for Gutierrez. His 3.7 BB/9 rate could spell trouble versus a Los Angeles team who is consistently among the league leaders in reaching base.

Tony Gonsolin will also be making his first start against the Redlegs. Similar to his Cincinnati counterpart, the strike zone can be elusive for the 28-year-old California native. Tossing just 55.2 innings last year due to injury, Gonsolin issued 34 free passes.

Reds flamethrower Hunter Greene returns home on Saturday night.

Electricity will be in the air Saturday night as Hunter Greene (1-0 5.40 ERA) makes his second career start against one of the best young pitchers in baseball as Los Angeles will have Julio Urias (0-1 13.50 ERA) on the mound.

Reds Country could not have been more excited with Greene's debut. Granted, he was taken deep a couple of times, but the big right-hander hit 100 MPH on the radar gun an astonishing 20 times. Additionally, his secondary pitches appear big-league ready.

It's highly doubtful the Redlegs will see the same Julio Urias who allowed six runs on as many hits in just two frames in his season debut. The left-hander is coming off a spectacular 2021 campaign with a league-leading 20 victories. In addition, he ranked in the NL's Top 10 in ERA, WHIP, innings pitched, and BB/9 rate.

Sunday's matinee series finale will star Tyler Mahle (1-0 1.00 ERA) playing opposite Andrew Heaney (0-0 0.00 ERA) of the Dodgers. Even though the numbers only show one earned run allowed in his last start, Mahle was not his typical sharp self.

The California native completed only four innings while surrendering four hits, and committing an error as the Cleveland Guardians dented the plate four times in the short outing. However, Mahle has dominated Los Angeles in four career starts.

Tossing 22 innings the Reds hurler has allowed just one homer and compiled an incredible 2.05 ERA. Next, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are the only Dodgers with have extra-base hits when facing the Reds right-hander. Let's hope, for Mahle's sake, history repeats itself.

Newly acquired Andrew Heaney will be making his first start versus the Reds since June of 2019 when he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels. The southpaw was more lucky than good in that outing. Even though he allowed just one run in 5.1 innings, he surrendered five hits and issued four free passes.

Los Angeles Dodgers v Colorado Rockies
Los Angeles Dodgers v Colorado Rockies / Justin Edmonds/GettyImages

Will the new stars light up the Hollywood night vs. the Reds?

It's not the same Dodgers ballclub Cincinnati saw last year. Even though former All-Stars Corey Seager and Kenley Jansen have departed, don't shed any tears for Los Angeles. The Dodgers front office replaced them with former MVP Freddie Freeman and eight-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel.

On most days, LA manager Dave Roberts can pencil in seven former All-Stars into his lineup card. Additionally, don't be surprised if catcher Will Smith, not that one, is soon participating in the midsummer classic. Last year, Smith slashed .258/.365/.495 with 25 round-trippers and 76 RBIs.

That leaves only former first-round selection, Gavin Lux, on the outside looking in. A 24-year-old second baseman, Lux is slashing .353./.400/.588 to start the 2022 season and he's considered the "easy" out.

Cincinnati's most high-profile newcomer, Tommy Pham, is not enjoying the same type of success to open the 2022 campaign. Hitless in his first 15 at-bats, the 34-year-old outfielder left the Reds' home opener with a wrist injury following a collision with centerfielder Nick Senzel. Despite missing yesterday's contest, look for Pham to return to the Cincinnati Reds' lineup in LA.

Prediction: Dodgers take 3-of-4 from the Reds in LA.

Reds Country if you want to know how the other half lives consider this. Baseball-Reference gives the Dodgers a 99.9% chance to make the postseason. It's April. Unsurprisingly, expectations are much different for the two fanbases.

Next. 1 overrated & 2 underrated Reds performers through 1st week. dark

Chances are the Cincinnati Reds won't face a better club all year and expect to see that excellence on full display this weekend as the Dodgers take three of four from the Redlegs before Cincinnati travels south to open a series in San Diego with the Padres on Monday night.

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