MLB Betting Odds: Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets

The Cincinnati Reds (35-27) and New York Mets (35-29) will open up a three-game National League series on Friday night at Citi Field in the Big Apple, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 ET

Cincinnati Reds at New York Mets

Cincinnati Reds SP Bronson Arroyo has enjoyed great success at Citi Field

Cincinnati heads back on the road after finishing off a three-game home sweep of the Cleveland Indians, including a 12-5 blowout victory on Thursday afternoon. “Earlier, everybody was complaining about us not hitting the ball,” commented Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips. The Reds pounded out a season-high 17 hits in the contest, and nobody is hotter at the plate than first baseman Joey Votto, who is batting .500 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in his last 11 games played. Cincinnati is 25-19 versus right-handed starters this year.

Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo (2-4, 3.79 ERA) has watched the club drop his last three outings, with the offense scoring just six combined runs over that span. He didn’t earn a decision in a 3-2 home setback last time out against the Detroit Tigers, giving up two runs and five hits in seven frames. The right-hander has gone 2-3 with a 3.83 ERA in six road outings, issuing just five walks and picking up 27 strikeouts in 40 innings. In 13 career games versus the Mets, Arroyo has registered a 7-3 record and 3.57 ERA, including a 2-0 mark and 1.80 ERA in three starts at this ball park.

New York is also getting things done at the plate recently, scoring 29 combined runs in picking up a three-game road sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. Third baseman David Wright continues to lead the charge offensively, hitting .358 on the season, which is fourth-best in the NL. The Mets entered Thursday’s game hitting .268 with runners in scoring position, ranking seventh in the majors in that category. New York is 5-1 at home with a money line of -100 to -125, with the “under” going 4-1 in that situation.

Mets starting pitcher Dillon Gee (4-4, 4.42 ERA) has been solid over his last three outings, but the club managed to drop all three contests, as the offense provided just 12 runs of support. He was handed a 4-2 road loss by the New York Yankees in his last appearance, allowing three runs and five hits over seven innings. In seven home games this year, Gee has gone 1-3 with a 4.91 ERA, surrendering seven home runs in 44 frames. The 26-year-old will be facing the Reds for the first time in his career.