Game Preview: Dodgers Head to Cincinnati For Series Against Reds

Los Angeles Dodgers at Cincinnati Reds

Time: 3:40 PM PT

Venue: Great American Ball Park

Colorado Record: 61-83

Los Angeles Record: 78-65

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers reduced their NL West deficit to a half-game after taking two out of three to the Rockies. They won the series finale in Colorado, 9-6, with home runs by Kike Hernandez and Justin Turner. Rich Hill took home the win and Scott Alexander picked up the save for Los Angeles.

Why is this Game Important?

Now that the Dodgers are out of Colorado, they can bring Kenley Jansen back to their bullpen. While the relievers pitched well in Jansen’s absence, the bullpen performs at a higher level with their closer.

Facing the Reds, the Dodgers play a team they have yet to defeat this season. Cincinnati swept Los Angeles in a four-game set at Chavez Ravine earlier this season.

The Rockies and Diamondbacks face off in Colorado for a four-game series.

Pitching Matchup

Alex Wood (8-6, 3.37 ERA) vs Cody Reed (0-2, 4.81 ERA)

Alex Wood makes his 27th start of the year, as he attempts to continue his recent success. Wood is 7-1 with a 2.39 ERA since the middle of June and is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in his career against the Reds.

Cody Reed lost his last start after surrendering six runs in five innings against the Pirates. He has won just one game in 11 decisions in his career, dating back to his debut in 2016.

Matchup of the Day

Kike Hernandez vs Cody Reed

Sticking with the hot bat, Kike Hernandez should continue his success at the plate. Hernandez hit a triple and a home run on Sunday. He now has reached the 20 home run mark for the season, a number he had not previously reached.

Although he has spent much of the year coming off the bench, Hernandez should start on Monday. Righties are batting .308 against Reed this season, compared to .233 for lefties.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Moneyline Consensus

Dodgers: -173

Reds: +163

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 64% chance of winning

Reds: 36% chance of winning

Fun Fact

The Reds acquired Chris Reed, along with Brandon Finnegan and John Lamb, in a deal that sent Johnny Cueto to the Kansas City Royals.