Phillies at Reds
Philadelphia slugger Rhys Hoskins looks to continue his impressive power display when the Phillies host the Cincinnati Reds on Friday in the second contest of a four-game set. Hoskins went deep twice in Thursday's 9-4 victory over the Reds and has launched six shots over the past six games.
The splurge has increased Hoskins' output to 20 homers and 67 RBIs as he thrives in his first full major-league campaign. Third baseman Maikel Franco and right fielder Nick Williams also smacked two homers apiece in the opener, and the Phillies tied a franchise record with seven overall blasts while winning its third straight and for the fifth time in their past seven outings. Cincinnati has its own lava-hot player in third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who has homered in four consecutive games and will be attempting to match the franchise mark held by Jay Bruce (2016). The Reds have dropped six of their last eight contests and allowed 46 runs in the six setbacks.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (6-8, 4.69 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (4-3, 5.40)
Pivetta lost to San Diego on Sunday despite striking out nine in 5 1/3 innings as he gave up six runs (four earned) and eight hits. The 25-year-old has dropped six of his last eight decisions after going 4-2 with a 3.23 ERA through his first 10 starts. Pivetta allowed two runs on five hits and struck out seven in seven innings in a no-decision on April 11 in his first career outing versus the Reds.
DeSclafani has dropped his last two starts while giving up nine runs and 11 hits over 7 2/3 innings during the span. The 28-year-old served up two homers in each of the setbacks and has allowed 14 in just 48 1/3 innings over nine starts. DeSclafani is 3-1 with a 5.21 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Phillies but hasn't faced them since a victory on June 9, 2015.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds RF Jesse Winker (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and will require season-ending surgery, OF Mason Williams was recalled from Triple-A Louisville and INF Alex Blandino (knee) was transferred to the 60-day DL.
2. Williams went 4-for-5 in the opener and is 10-for-23 over the past five games.
3. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto went 2-for-4 on Thursday after being 1-for-14 over the previous six contests.