Reds-Diamondbacks Series Preview: Win another series

May 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) runs the bases past Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The Diamondbacks are coming up a win against the Padres in which they doubled up San Diego in the run department, thanks in large part to a 8 run first inning, and took two out of three from San Diego and everybody got double tacos. One number that really surprises me is how many runs Anderson has gotten at Chase Field. In his first career start at Chase Field he was given 18 runs to work with against the Dodgers and in yesterday’s game he was given 12 runs yesterday. I dont know if it has something to do with his name, or if the Dbacks simply like him better, but he is getting alot of support. Congrats to Anderson who became the Dbacks first rookie starter to win his first three starts. Now the shift focuses to the Reds and trying to win another series. The Dbacks have to take it one game and one series at a time after a horrible month of April that put them behind the eight ball.

The Reds are struggling and have been one of the biggest surprises in all of baseball. After finishing 90-72 and winning a wild card in 2013, they are 23-28 and 7.5 games back in the Central. The Reds struggles have alot to do with Joey Votto who is out with a left knee injury, and many are worried that he is not sustainable long term. They are 28th in the MLB in team batting with a .240 average. That is not the Reds we are used to seeing.

Key Storyline: I am excited to see Billy Hamilton. He interests me more than probably any other player. His speed is absolutely ridiculous and the stats back it up. He has 18 stolen bases but something alarms me about Hamilton. He is the leadoff hitter but he doesn’t play like a leadoff hitter. He is batting .245 and has 1 home run and 10 RBI’s. His on base percentage is what concerns me. Right now its at .287 which is not good. As a leadoff hitter your supposed to get on base and he isn’t doing that, which means he cant steal nearly as many bases as he would if he got on base more.

Game by Game:

Game 1: LHP Tony Cingrani vs. RHP Josh Collmenter

Cingrani allowed four runs on seven hits over six innings in a loss to the Cardinals in his last start on May 24th. He has only started against the Dbacks once in his career, last August in which he gave up one run on two hits in 3 and two third innings before leaving the game with a strained lower back…Collmenter probably had his best start of the season last time out against the Mets. He went six innings allowing only two runs. In four of his previous 6 starts he has allowed three or fewer runs which is big for the Dbacks. Against the Reds in 6.2 innings pitched he is 0-0 with a 1.35 era.

Game 2: RHP Mike Leake vs. RHP Bronson Arroyo

Leake an ASU alum allowed two runs on seven hits in his last start, and he struck out a career high tying eight batters over six innings. Leake is 2-0 in his career against Arizona but has a 6.10 era. Arroyo faces his former team for the first time since joining the Dbacks. In his last start he left the game after six innings of one run baseball that ended up being a no-decision. In 12 career innings against the Reds he is 1-0 with a 0.75 era.

Game 3: RHP Johnny Cueto vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy

Cueto is one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. He has a 1.83 era but a 4-4 record because of poor run support…In five of his 11 starts the Reds have scored three runs or fewer…McCarthy has been inconsistent all year and the same can be said about his last start…He gave up 5 runs on 9 hits in 6 and two third innings.

Game 4: RHP Alfredo Simon vs. LHP Wade Miley

Simon has been inconsistent in his last four starts, putting together two great performances with two bad starts and two great performances…Miley has not done well lately…In his last three starts he is 0-2 with a 4.58 era.

Series Prediction: I think the Dbacks will win the first two behind Collmenter and Arroyo. Cueto is two much and the Reds will win game 3. Finally in game 4 I think Miley is due and Simon is two inconsistent to win. The Dbacks take 3 of 4 and continue to win series. Plus, Sunday is my birthday and I will be there.