Braves at Reds
The Reds, who haven’t swept the Braves in Cincinnati since 1980, go for a four-game sweep on Thursday at the cozy confines of Great American Ball Park.
Cincinnati has belted eight homers in the series’ first three games, including Todd Frazier’s walkoff solo shot that barely cleared the fence in Wednesday’s 2-1 win. The Reds have hit 11 homers during their five-game win streak, a run that has them a season-high five games over .500 (24-19).
The Braves hope to have third baseman Chipper Jones (bruised calf) back in the starting lineup after he pinch-hit Wednesday. Atlanta is 19-5 with Jones in the starting lineup and just 7-13 without him.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportSouth, FS-O
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Randall Delgado (2-4, 4.26 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (2-3, 4.34 ERA)
Delgado was brilliant when he faced the Reds in Atlanta on May 14, holding them to one unearned run on four hits over 6 2/3 innings. He has been shaky on the road this season, going 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA. Batters are hitting .239 against him.
Bailey has had a rough start to the season but was sensational the last time he faced the Braves, holding them to one run on six hits over 6 2/3 innings in a game won 3-1 by the Reds back on May 14. He owns a 2.13 ERA against the Braves over two career starts.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Braves C Brian McCann missed his second straight game Wednesday due to illness.
2. The Reds will honor Jones, who is retiring after this season, by presenting him with a commemorative base before the game.
3. Reds closer Aroldis Chapman hasn’t allowed an earned run in 24 1/3 innings.