Aristides Aquino and the Reds seek their 1st victory vs. the NL West as the Giants visit Cincinnati

It's not what the Cincinnati Reds (14-30) had hoped for entering the series, but after dropping the first two games at Great American Ball Park, they was able to salvage a split with a below-average Chicago Cubs squad. Hopefully, the Redlegs saved some of the offense from the series finale for this weekend's showdown with the San Francisco Giants.

Cincinnati's offense exploded for 20 runs on as many hits yesterday, as they obliterated the Cubbies by a 20-5 margin. Four Reds collected at least three hits, including shortstop Kyle Farmer who had the first multi-homer game of his career, as he went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with two round-trippers and five ribbies.

Even though it's almost impossible to believe, the Reds are still seeking their first victory against a National League West opponent this season despite having 13 opportunities. If you're a glass-half-full person, Cincinnati is 14-17 versus the rest of the league.

The Reds are looking for their 1st victory over an NL West opponent.

The San Francisco Giants (24-19) visit the Queen City winners of their last two contests, although their recent play has been less than imposing after dropping six of their last 10 games. However, the Giants have compiled an impressive 11-8 record away from the Bay Area to open the 2022 campaign.

Much of the success the Giants have enjoyed this season comes courtesy of a powerful offense. San Francisco is second in the senior circuit in runs scored (233) and RBIs (212). Additionally, they rank fourth with 52 round-trippers.

Outfielder Joc Pederson is making a positive first impression in his debut season in a Giants uniform. The left-handed-hitting slugger is slashing .260/.331/.606 with 11 homers and 24 knocked in. In addition, fellow outfielder Mike Yastrzemski has been an on-base machine posting an impressive .409 OBP mark.

Surprisingly, prosperity has been harder to come by on the pitching mound for the Giants. Their 4.43 team ERA places 11th in the NL and the 398 hits surrendered are the third-most in the league. Needless to say, San Francisco's 1.352 WHIP is well above the 1.289 league average.

Despite dropping six of seven to the Giants last year, Cincinnati has owned San Francisco over the last decade, losing the season series only twice over that span.