Reds at Dodgers
Two of the hottest teams in the majors since the All-Star break meet Thursday when the Cincinnati Reds visit the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a four-game series. The Reds have won five of seven since the break, while Los Angeles has taken over first place in the National League West with six straight victories. Dodgers starter Zack Greinke, seeking the 100th win of his career, is 5-0 with a 2.17 ERA in seven home starts.
The Reds begin the series five games behind National League Central-leading St. Louis after winning three of four in San Francisco. Catcher Devin Mesoraco had eight hits and seven RBIs in the series, and he’ll likely start again Thursday since Ryan Hanigan’s return from the disabled list has been pushed back to Friday at the earliest. Hanigan, batting .193 with two homers in 145 at-bats, has been out since July 11 with a sprained left wrist.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio, Prime Ticket
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Mat Latos (9-3, 3.53 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Zack Greinke (8-2, 3.36)
Latos yielded three runs (two earned) in five innings last Saturday against the Pirates, giving him a 7.20 ERA over his last three starts. The 25-year-old has failed to pitch past the fifth inning in his last two outings. Mark Ellis is 1-for-11 against Latos, who is 0-5 with a 3.95 ERA in five career starts at Dodger Stadium.
Greinke has allowed one earned run over his last three starts covering 22 innings, and he's 5-0 with a 2.36 ERA over his last six starts. The 29-year-old received a no-decision against the Nationals last Saturday, when he surrendered one run over six innings. Joey Votto is 5-for-16 with three home runs against Greinke, who is 4-0 with a 2.14 ERA in six career starts against the Reds.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Dodgers placed OF Matt Kemp (left ankle) on the 15-day disabled list and activated LHP Ted Lilly, who will pitch out of the bullpen.
2. Reds SS Zack Cozart missed Wednesday’s game against the Giants due to hip stiffness and is listed as day-to-day.
3. The Dodgers have gone 12-3 in Greinke’s 15 starts.