The Cincinnati Reds are back home today to kick off a week-long homestand, starting with a four-game series against the Miami Marlins at Great American Ball Park, originally scheduled for 7:10 PM EDT but now slated for 8:15 PM due to rain delays.
The Marlins are entering this series on a positive note, boasting a record of 7-3 over their last ten games. They recently had an impressive eight-game win streak come to an end. During June, the Marlins excelled at the plate, leading the National League in batting average and doubles, while ranking second in on-base percentage. While power-hitting has not been their strong suit, they have demonstrated notable skills in getting on base and driving those runners home effectively.
In tonight’s matchup, the starting pitchers will be Janson Junk for Miami and Brady Singer for Cincinnati.
Janson Junk, a 29-year-old right-hander, has transitioned from the Marlins’ bullpen to the starting rotation. This will mark his fourth start of the season. Despite a mixed record, with 10 of his 15 runs allowed coming in two outings, he maintains one of the lowest walk rates in MLB. However, his susceptibility to left-handed batters, who have hit over .300 against him this season, is a point of concern for the Marlins.
On the other side, Brady Singer looks to regain his form after a recent rough patch, having allowed six runs in his last two games. Known for his strong strikeout ability, Singer’s challenge has been managing walks, but he did find success against Miami in their previous encounter in May, where he kept runs to a minimum over six innings.
Additionally, Cincinnati celebrates Elly De La Cruz’s All-Star selection as a reserve for the National League, underscoring the growing talent within their roster. The Reds recently activated Connor Joe from the injured list and made moves to strengthen their lineup, with the MLB Draft on the horizon promising fresh talent to bolster their future.
With Cincinnati sitting at 46-44, they face an uphill battle in the division standings, but there’s room for optimism as they hope to make a push for better positioning in the playoff race. The rivalry against the Marlins could be a pivotal moment for the Reds, especially with fan support at home.
Fans can tune into the game through the FanDuel Sports Network or listen on 700 WLW, hoping to cheer on their team as they strive for victory this evening.