Neither team is marooned, but the Cincinnati Reds (24-29) and Boston Red Sox (28-25) are closer to the bottom of their respective divisions than the top. This Tuesday clash will be the second of the series, as both sides try to avoid the crimson that accompanies defeat. It'll be the Reds and the Red Sox with Fenway Park's Green Monster looming large in the background. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT. Let's see which teams' players will shine like rubies in the historic venue.
Coming into this series, Cincinnati had gone 5-2 over their last seven games and averaged 6.7 runs per game. They put up at least five runs in six of those seven contests and finished with 25 runs in a three-game set at Wrigley. The Reds are only 16th in runs per game this season, but their lineup is raking right now. For the season, they're seventh in stolen bases and fourth in OBP. If they could hit more homers, improving upon their 28th-ranked total, Cincinnati's offense would be a force to be reckoned with. The world hasn't gotten a glimpse of that lately.
7? homers for No. 7? to give us 7? runs! @spenc__er pic.twitter.com/qEaDfeNWdn
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 28, 2023
Pitching is far from Cincinnati's strength, as they enter New England 27th in team ERA. Their relievers are top-10 in ERA and FIP, so it primarily falls upon the starting rotation. Luke Weaver is up next, looking to bring down his 5.45 ERA this season. He made a step in the right direction last time out, tossing 6.1 innings of shutout ball. After allowing eight home runs through his first four starts, Weaver has only allowed one in the last three. His two best starts were also among his last three outings, so he may be getting into a groove.