Cardinals-Reds Game 3 Preview

Jul 21, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey (34) pitches during the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. The Pirates defeated the Reds 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds and St Louis Cardinals hope to get in their final game of the opening week series as the game could be delayed for the second straight day due to rain. Homer Bailey makes his season debut for the Reds as he look to continue his improvement over the last three seasons, and now the right hander from Texas has a $105 million contract he signed in the offseason.

The Reds are going after a series win over the St. Louis Cardinals this afternoon.

Bailey will oppose Lance Lynn, and neither starter should be overly intimidated from what they’ve seen from the opposition’s bats thus far. Get ready for a another pitchers duel.

The two clubs have combined for a .137 batting average and two runs in the first two games, with the Reds setting a franchise record with 17 straight innings without a run to start a season.

After the Cardinals won Monday’s opener 1-0, the Reds returned the favor Wednesday  night with pinch-hitter Chris Heisey’s walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth after rain delayed the start of the game.

The win gave Cincinnati manager Bryan Price his first win on the job.

Bailey now looks to continue that for the team and roll things over from last year for himself. His 2013 season ended with an 11-12 record, but he posted career bests in ERA  WHIP, and innings pitched in 32 starts.

Against the Cardinals, Bailey went 2-2 with a 4.01 ERA in four starts.
He missed time during spring training with a strained groin, but he said he’s ready to go.

Bailey is expected to be working with a rookie catcher as Tucker Barnhart is scheduled to make his Reds debut. Barnhart started the year in the majors while Devin Mesoraco is on the disabled list with a strained left oblique.

Lynn was 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA in five starts against the Reds last season, though he’s a rough time at Great American Ball Park with a 1-1 record and 6.00 ERA in four career starts.

First pitch, hopefully at 12:35pm

TV: FSN OHIO, RADIO: 700 WLW