Dodgers, Reds Set Pitching Matchups for 3-Game Series in Cincinnati
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in Cincinnati for three games against the Reds this week. Coming off a series against the Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees in three of the last four series, the Dodgers could definitely use an opponent like the Reds.
By no means can they overlook Cincinnati — who put together a five-game winning streak to end May — but it’ll definitely be a different feel than the playoff-like atmospheres they’ve played in for a majority of the last two weeks.
The Dodgers and Reds have their pitching matchups set for the upcoming series this week, so here’s each matchup, and everything you need to know about all the pitchers set to start.
Cat-Man on the Bump
Tony Gonsolin is taking the mound for the Dodgers in the series opener on Tuesday, going against RHP Luke Weaver of the Reds. Gonsolin is looking to continue his dominant season, where he’s gone 3-1 with a 1.77 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. In his career in the hitters’ ballpark that is Great American, Gonsolin has a 6.14 ERA in 7.1 innings.
On the other side of things is Weaver, who’s struggled mightily this year (and really every year for that matter). In his career against the Dodgers, he has a 7.57 ERA in 27.1 innings. The Dodger bats should be in for a good one on Tuesday.
Thor’s Last Chance?
On Wednesday, Noah Syndergaard is pitching for the Dodgers, while LHP Brandon Williamson is going for the Reds.
This somewhat feels like Syndergaard’s last chance to prove to the Dodgers that he can still pitch at a somewhat decent level. Fortunately for him, he’s actually pitched very well at Great American Ball Park in his career, sporting a 2.29 ERA in 19.2 innings.
As for Williamson, he’s in the midst of his rookie campaign and has made just four starts. He’s looked pretty good all things considered, and hasn’t allowed more than four runs in a start. We’ll see if the Dodger bats are able to change that.
Kershaw Day
In the early morning series finale on Thursday, Clayton Kershaw is taking the bump against RHP Graham Ashcraft of the Reds. Kershaw got back on track against the Yankees after a rough May, and will look to continue that in his second start of June. In 44 innings across seven starts at GABP, Kershaw is 3-0 with an impressive 2.86 ERA.
As for Ashcraft, he’s in his second season in the MLB, and is not having a great time. Entering Tuesday, he leads the National League in earned runs with 46 and has an NL-worst 6.64 ERA.
He’s never faced the Dodgers in his career, but was initially drafted by them in 2016, before deciding to go to college instead, and later getting drafted by the Reds in 2019. So, he’ll get his first opportunity to face his (almost) former team.
First pitch for Tuesday’s game is at 4:10 p.m. PT; first pitch for Wednesday’s game is at 4:10 p.m. PT; and first pitch for Thursday’s game is an early 9:35 a.m. PT.
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