Reds at Dodgers
Two teams trending in opposite directions meet Sunday as the Los Angeles Dodgers hope to avoid a sweep of their four-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds. The struggling Dodgers have lost six of their last seven games and 13 of their last 18, while the Reds have won five in a row and are 10-12 under interim manager Jim Riggleman.
Scott Schebler belted a three-run homer and Scooter Gennett continued his hot streak with three hits in Saturday’s 5-3 victory as the Reds clinched their first series victory at Dodger Stadium since June of 2011. Gennett has been slowed by a sore right shoulder that remains a concern, but he took advantage of four days out of the starting lineup and is 14-for-26 with three doubles, four home runs and 10 RBI during his six-game hitting streak. The Dodgers are 16-23 and were 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position on Saturday, with Cody Bellinger’s fifth home run serving as one of the few highlights. Help could be on the way soon as infielders Justin Turner (wrist) and Logan Forsythe (shoulder) both played for High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday and are expected to rejoin the Dodgers in time for Tuesday’s series opener against Miami.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (2-4, 6.47 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (1-1, 7.11)
Castillo posted a 7.23 ERA in five starts last month but has pitched well in his last two outings, allowing four earned runs while fanning 14 and walking two across 11 2/3 innings. “Our pitching coaches have put some time in with him and Luis has been responding,” Riggleman told reporters. “We’d just like to see if we can keep him on a nice roll.” The 25-year-old Dominican is making his first appearance against the Dodgers.
Hill came off the disabled list last Tuesday and struggled in his first start since April 14, allowing five runs and seven hits in four innings against Arizona. “I didn't perform well at all,” Hill told reporters. “I feel like the ball came out of my hand well. Unfortunately, the results weren't there.” The 38-year-old has gone 4-2 with a 3.80 ERA in 10 career games (eight starts) against Cincinnati, including five strong innings en route to a victory in his last outing versus the Reds on June 9, 2017.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers 2B Chase Utley has reached base safely in 13 of his last 15 games against Cincinnati.
2. Riggleman said RHP Matt Harvey will make his next start Wednesday against San Francisco.
3. The Dodgers recalled ambidextrous relief pitcher Pat Venditte from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned RHP Brock Stewart to the same affiliate.