The Cincinnati Reds (36-27) and New York Mets (35-30) will continue a three-game National League series on Saturday night at Citi Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:15 ET
Cincinnati Reds at New York Mets
Cincinnati is now a season-high nine games over .500 after Friday night’s 7-3 win in the series opener, as second baseman Brandon Phillips remains red hot at the plate, collecting 22 RBIs over his last 18 games. “He’s coming up big time,” stated Reds manager Dusty Baker. Cincinnati is 10-8 against left-handed starters this season, while producing a 3-4 mark as a road underdog of +100 to +125.
Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey (4-4, 4.35 ERA) has watched the club drop his last two efforts, but he didn’t factor into the decision of a 7-6 setback at home to the Detroit Tigers last time out. The right-hander is 3-2 with a 3.49 ERA in six road outings hits year, issuing 11 walks and striking out 24 in 38.2 combined frames. In two career games versus the Mets, Bailey has compiled an 0-1 record and 13.00 ERA, with David Wright getting four hits in six career at-bats against him.
New York had its mini three-game win streak snapped on Friday, but came into the series tied for fourth in the majors with 19 home wins. The Mets have been getting the job done with runners in scoring position all season long, especially with two outs, hitting .281 in that situation. New York is 27-15 versus right-handed starters this year, while the “over” is 25-9 in the team’s night games.
Mets starting pitcher Jonathon Niese (4-2, 3.69 ERA) has watched the club alternate wins and losses over his last five outings, as he didn’t factor into the decision in a 5-4 road loss to the New York Yankees last time out. The left-hander is 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA in five home outings, with opposing hitters batting .188 against him. In three career games against the Reds, Niese has compiled an even 1-1 record and 5.79 ERA, surrendering five home runs in 18.2 combined innings.
Bettors will likely play the total in this affair, with the “over” going 8-1 in the last nine meetings in this series, including 5-1 in New York.
Make sure to check out our Major League Baseball picks all season long and get the most up-to-date betting odds at Bookmaker
