Cincinnati Reds brace themselves for series against Houston Astros – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds are bracing themselves for the three-game series against the Houston Astros, starting Friday. Having a much-needed day off on Thursday, the Reds will enter the series against Houston Astros after sweeping the three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Reds are satisfied with their performance that they have put up this year, winning 80 of 132 games they have played. They remain on top of the National League Central Division, seeming all set to make it to the playoffs without any challenge.
"We're playing good baseball. We're winning series," said third baseman Scott Rolen. "The Cardinals played well against us back home but we just made it up. We'll keep doing what we've been doing, trying to win series by pitching well and playing good defense."
The Reds ability to edge past the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday was a testament of the dominance they have maintained this season. Even the World Series Champions the Cardinals have not been able to break their stranglehold.
There are a lot of things that go to the advantage of the Reds against the Houston Astros. The fact that Astros are at the bottom of the NL Central provides a psychological edge to the Reds.
All the same, the Reds have been able to show superiority in almost all the aspects of the game. Especially the defence wherein the likes of Johnny Cueto and Aroldis Chapman have been ruling the roost.
"Johnny is certainly in the running," Reds' manager Dusty Baker said. "To me, he is the top dog. He has some more starts left. When the smoke clears, if he's pitching like he's pitching now, in my opinion he should [win the Cy Young]. More importantly, when he's winning, we're winning."
With the lead that has come to the way of Reds and competition stiffened between the Cardinals and Pirates, the Reds will try to make most of the coming series against the Astros.
If the Cincinnati Reds sweep the series, which they seem all set to do, they will have a safe lead in the Division and be all set to make it to the playoffs.
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