Reds at Phillies
Scott Kingery is endearing himself to the fans in Philadelphia as the prized prospect has homered in back-to-back contests to help the Phillies win four of five outings on the six-game homestand. The Phillies have outscored the opposition 40-13 during that stretch heading into Wednesday's series finale versus the Cincinnati Reds.
Kingery launched his team's third grand slam of the homestand in Tuesday's 6-1 win for Philadelphia (5-5), which also saw Odubel Herrera rip an RBI double to lift his totals in hits (nine) and runs scored (six) in his last six outings. The 26-year-old Herrera looks to continue his good fortune at the plate against Wednesday starter Luis Castillo, who is permitting left-handed batters to hit an astounding .400 against him this season. Castillo is not alone with his pitching troubles as Cincinnati (2-8) has been outscored 40-18 while losing five of its first six contests on its seven-game road trip. "There hasn't been any particular part of our game so far that has shown up consistently, pitching or offense. ... Right now, it's a challenge," Reds manager Bryan Price said.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Philadelphia-Plus
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (0-2, 9.00 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (1-0, 2.79)
Castillo showed flashes in 2017 that had many associated with Cincinnati hoping would translate into positive results this season, to no avail thus far. The 25-year-old has permitted 10 earned runs on 12 hits with four walks over 10 innings in losses to Washington and Pittsburgh. "I feel the same. I know these last two starts were not great," Castillo said. "I know I'm going to pick it up, I'm going to pick my pace up, and everything's going to be fine after that."
Pivetta picked up his first win in dominant fashion, scattering four hits and striking out nine over 5 2/3 innings in Thursday's 5-0 victory over Miami. The 25-year-old has relied heavily on his curveball and slider en route to fanning 152 batters in 142 2/3 career innings. Pivetta, who will get his first look at Cincinnati, has yet to be taken deep after surrendering 25 homers in 26 starts last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati CF Billy Hamilton has scored five times in his last five contests.
2. Philadelphia 2B Cesar Hernandez has recorded a hit in seven consecutive games and scored a run in six straight.
3. Reds LF Adam Duvall is 1-for-19 with 11 strikeouts in his last five contests.