Starting pitching will be key for the Reds who look for a series-split in the Ohio Cup vs. the Guardians

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. Guardians

Reds starting pitcher Connor Overton vs. Guardians starting pitcher Zac Plesac

Connor Overton (1-0 1.59 ERA) gets the call in tonight's opener opposing Zach Plesac (1-3 4.68) of the Guardians. What more can you say about the Cincinnati Reds right-hander?

Making three starts since joining the club on April 30th, Overton has allowed just three runs on 12 hits in 17 innings of work. In addition, the former Pittsburg Pirate, snapped the Reds MLB record for futility when he mercifully notched the first quality start of the 2022 campaign for the Redlegs following 31 failed attempts.

It's been tough going of late for Zach Plesac. The right-hander has allowed 14 earned runs in his last 15 frames covering three starts. Many of his problems are directly linked to his inability to find the strike zone. Plesac has issued 10 free passes in his last three starts after allowing just two in his previous three outings.

Even though he's winless in three career starts versus the Cincinnati Reds, Plesac has been a tough customer the last two times the clubs have met. Tossing 15 innings, the Ball State alum has surrendered just three runs on seven hits while punching out 13 Reds.

Reds starting pitcher Tyler Mahle vs. Guardians starting pitcher Cal Quantril

Wednesday's series finale will feature Tyler Mahle (2-4 5.89 ERA) battling Cal Quantrill (1-2 3.93 ERA) for Terry Francona's squad. Mahle's last two starts have been exactly what Reds Country anticipated seeing this season.

Hurling 11 effective frames, the California native has held the opposition to six hits while racking up 14 K's. Interestingly, Mahle is still seeking his first career victory against Guardians in what will be their fifth matchup.

If Mahle is to capture that elusive first win, he'll have to find a way to retire Jose Ramirez. Cleveland's All-Star third baseman is 3-for-8 lifetime versus the Cincinnati right-hander with a triple and a home run.

Cal Quantrill is off to an excellent start in his 2022 campaign. The 27-year-old right-hander has surrendered more than three earned runs only once in his six outings this year. However, Quantrill has walked three or more batters in four of those appearances. Patience will be a key for the Cincinnati hitters tomorrow night.

Not only has the starting pitching sprung to life, but the bats, the past two games notwithstanding, are displaying a pulse as well. Over their last seven contests, the Cincinnati Reds are slashing .260/.341/.443 as a team and have dented the plate 41 times.

The good news is there's plenty of credit to go around. Five Reds hit over .290 last week led by catcher Tyler Stephenson who hit .409 with a homer and seven ribbies while outfielder Tyler Naquin contributed 10 hits to enable him to hit at a .400 clip.

Cincinnati is also getting offensive production from unlikely sources. Centerfielder Albert Almora Jr. hit .308 while sporting an impressive .357 OBP last week. Talk about positive first impressions, the former sixth-overall pick is slashing .320/.346/.400 since having his contract selected from Triple-A Louisville on May 4th.

Last but not least, we can't ignore Mike Moustakas. Moose has been hitting the ball with authority. Over the last two weeks, Moose has been in beast mode. Slashing .326/.431/.651 with a ridiculous 1.083 OPS, the left-handed slugger has smashed three homers while driving in seven.

At last, Mike Moustakas is providing the type of production the Reds envisioned when they signed him to the richest free-agent deal in club history prior to the 2020 season. Better late than never, right?

Prediction: Reds vs. Guardians

Can the Reds actually capture their first series in the Land since 2018? Not so fast, my friend. Even with their best teams, winning in Cleveland is a near impossibility for the Redlegs.

Look for the Reds and Guardians to split their brief two-game set before Cincinnati takes off to the Great White North to tangle with an imposing Toronto Blue Jays offense.