Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Guardians May 18 Betting Preview

After taking the first game of the two-game series, the Cincinnati Reds (10-26) will go for the sweep against their in-state rivals as they take on the Cleveland Guardians (16-18). The Guardians will host this one at Progressive Field Wednesday with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 p.m.

On Tuesday, the Reds were able to win in extra innings 5-4. Connor Overton was brilliant in his start, going 7.2 innings and allowing just two earned runs, but the bullpen gave up the tie late forcing extra innings.

In extras, Mike Moustakas was able to force a bases loaded walk, which proved the difference in the game. In the third innings, Tyler Naquin hit his third home run of the season.

For the Guardians, they managed just five hits and left 12 on base. Myles Straw went one for three with two runs batted in while Owen Miller hit a two-run home run in the ninth, his fourth home run of the season.

On the mound, Zach Plesac went six innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out three. Unfortunately for the Guardians, the bullpen gave up a total of three runs in just four innings of work.

Betting Odds

On Wednesday, Cleveland is the favorite playing at home. They are -142 to win while the Reds’ moneyline sits at +120. The runline features Cincinnati +1.5 (-172), and the over/under for total runs is eight.

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Pitching Matchup

The Reds will send righty Tyler Mahle (2-4, 5.89 ERA) to the mound in the finale Wednesday. In his last start, Mahle picked up the win over the Pirates after going six innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out eight.

The Guardians Cal Quantrill will take the ball Wednesday. This season, he is 1-2 in six starts with a 3.93 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and has struck out 20 in 34.1 innings pitched. In his last start against the White Sox, he took the loss after giving up four earned runs on 10 hits.

By The Numbers

Offensively, the Guardians have a slight edge in their power. They rank 18th in home runs with 32 while the Reds sit at 30, ranking 21st overall.

In terms of earned run average, the Guardians again hold the edge. They rank 25th in staff ERA at 4.16. The Reds rank dead last at 5.97.

Reds Looking For Revenge

After the Guardians swept a two-game series in Cincinnati back in the middle of April, the Reds are trying to repay the favor. On Wednesday, they will have a chance to do exactly that as they look for the road sweep.

To date, the Reds are just 5-17 on the road, but they have been playing better as of late. In fact, of their ten wins, six of them have come in their last 10 games.

Outfielder Tommy Pham has had a decent start to the season for the struggling Reds. In 121 at bats, he is hitting .240/.357/.380 with four home runs, 12 runs batted in, and 21 run scored. In his career against Quantrill, he is one for three with a home run.

Although Colin Moran is just one for eight against Quantrill, his lone hit was also a home run.

Guardians Need To Get Back On Track

Now four games back in the AL Central, the Cleveland Guardians are hoping to get back on track after going just 5-5 in their last 10 games.

In the last two weeks, Andres Gimenez has arguably been their best hitter. In 13 at bats over that span, he is hitting .295/.326/.523 with two home runs and eight runs batted in.

Against the Reds Tyler Mahle, keep an eye on Austin Hedges and Jose Ramirez. In six at bats, Hedges has two hits, both home runs, off of the righty. For Ramirez, he is three for eight in his career against Quantrill with a home run and four runs batted in.

Good Matchup To Finish Series

Don’t let the record fool you. The Reds have won or tied three straight series and have technically secured at least a tie in this one as well.

While they may have the league’s worst record, the Reds have been playing better as of late and could make a push at a sweep if the Guardians aren’t careful.

Both of these pitchers have the ability to go out and shut down the opponent, but they have also shown enough inconsistency that a rough outing wouldn’t be a shocker either.

The Guardians will look to bounce back and split the series, but don’t count out Tyler Mahle and the Reds.