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.