Cincinnati @ Miami preview
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Last Meeting ( Sep 14, 2012 ) Cincinnati 0, Miami 4
The Cincinnati Reds don't need to worry about much. After all, their 11-game cushion in the National League Central is the biggest in the majors, and their magic number to clinch their second division title in three years is down to seven. Cincinnati might need to be concerned about its recent difficulty in scoring runs, though, as the Reds have plated two runs or less in seven of their last 12 games. The Reds suffered a 4-0 shutout loss in the series opener against the Miami Marlins on Friday.
The Reds might not need to score much with Cy Young Award candidate Johnny Cueto on the mound when the series continues at Marlins Park. Cueto has allowed three runs or fewer in 23 of his 29 starts this season, and he's given up two runs or less in 18 outings. Cueto has faced the Marlins only once this season, tossing seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball on opening day in Cincinnati. He outdueled Marlins left-hander Mark Buehrle, who will be his adversary again on Saturday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Ohio, Fox Sports Florida
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Johnny Cueto (17-8, 2.71 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Mark Buehrle (12-12, 3.74)
Cueto lasted just four innings Sunday against Houston, matching his shortest outing of the year. He allowed four runs and lost back-to-back starts for the first time since May. Cueto is 2-0 with a 3.91 ERA in four starts against the Marlins.
After winning three straight starts to end August, Buehrle is winless in his last two outings. He didn't get a decision last time out, holding Washington to three runs over seven innings in a 7-6 loss. Buehrle allowed two runs over six innings against the Reds on April 5, taking the loss in his Marlins debut.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds OF Jay Bruce is mired in an 0-for-17 slump. Bruce is 3-for-15 against the Marlins this season, but all three of his hits were home runs.
2. Buehrle has reached double digits in wins for the 12th consecutive season.
3. Marlins 1B Carlos Lee left Friday's game with a neck strain and is considered day-to-day. Lee is 7-for-22 (.318) with two homers against Cueto. The rest of the Marlins' roster is a combined 8-for-51 (.157) against him.