Cincinnati @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 8, 2012 ) Miami 5, Cincinnati 6

The Cincinnati Reds attempt to move closer to clinching the National League Central when they open a three-game road series against the Miami Marlins. The Reds’ magic number sits at eight and Cincinnati holds a commanding 11-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals. Cincinnati has the second-best record in the NL, just 2 1/2 games behind the Washington Nationals. Miami has lost three straight games and is a disappointing 26 1/2 games behind the Nationals.

Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has been the biggest bright spot for the Marlins. He has hit five homers in his last nine games and has 34 on the season, tying the career-best total he hit last season. Stanton missed a month with a knee injury but still has a chance at a 40-homer campaign. Cincinnati is 30 games above .500 for the first time since 1999. The Reds have won 19 of their last 26 road games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Bronson Arroyo (12-7, 3.66 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jacob Turner (1-3, 6.44)

Arroyo has won five straight decisions and eight of his last nine. He has a 2.40 ERA over his last six starts. Arroyo defeated the Houston Astros in his last start when he gave up one run and seven hits in seven innings. He had a no-decision against Miami earlier this season and is 1-3 with a 4.12 ERA in 12 career appearances (nine starts) against the Marlins.

Turner is making his fourth start for the Marlins. He pitched well against the Washington Nationals in his last outing, getting a no-decision while allowing two runs and four hits in six innings. The 21-year-old Turner was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in late July in the deal in which pitcher Anibal Sanchez and infielder Omar Infante were shipped to Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins 1B Carlos Lee is batting .321 with three homers and 11 RBIs in 53 career at-bats against Arroyo.

2. Reds 2B Brandon Phillips has two hits in four of the last six games.

3. Miami 3B Donnie Murphy (concussion) is sidelined indefinitely after being injured in Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.