Series Preview: Astros at Cincinnati Reds

After a series loss at the hands of the Texas Rangers, our Astros travel to their home away from home, The Great American Ballpark. Cincinnati comes off a set against the Indians, and at the quarter-pole, the Reds are much the same team as the Astros in terms of offensive production. Consider the following comparison:

Pitching-wise the Reds aren't vastly superior to the Astros either:

With so many similarities, how have the Reds arrived at a 22-19 record, while scoring 183 runs and allowing 179? The Astros can only wish that they were as fortunate as the Reds insofar as their record is concerned.

On the mound, Cincinnati is benefiting from the second lowest team BABIP in the majors, .278. As a result, they have not given up the runs that you would ordinarily expect given their periperhal pitching statistics. Case in point, the Reds team BA against is .242. The Astros is .274.

While a series loss at home is never a positive, I have to implore everyone to keep the faith. Things are not as bad as they seem. And up in Ohio, things should be leveling out.

Probable Reds Starting Pitchers:

Aaron Harang (Monday vs. Wandy Rodriguez)

Aaron Harang

#39 / Pitcher / Cincinnati Reds

Height: 6-7

Weight: 260

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: May 09, 1978

Micah Owings (Tuesday vs. Roy Oswalt)

Micah Owings

#33 / Pitcher / Cincinnati Reds

Height: 6-5

Weight: 220

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Sep 28, 1982

Bronson Arroyo (Wednesday vs. Felipe Paulino)

Bronson Arroyo

#61 / Pitcher / Cincinnati Reds

Height: 6-5

Weight: 195

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Feb 24, 1977