Brewers-Reds Game 3 Preview

Apr 27, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto is off to a fantastic start this season and he’s been dominant on the mound lately.

Cueto looks to continue a very impressive stretch tonight when the Reds and Brewers meet at Great American Ball Park in game three of a four game series.

Cueto (2-2, 1.15 ERA) owns the lowest ERA and opponents’ batting average (.136) in the majors, and has allowed three runs and 14 hits over 33 innings in his last four starts. He surrendered one total run in consecutive complete-game victories before tossing eight scoreless innings at Atlanta on Sunday but left without a decision in a 1-0 loss.

The right-hander struck out 11 against the Braves, giving him 50 strikeouts in 47 innings this season.

Cueto is 5-0 with a 2.25 ERA in eight career home starts against Milwaukee, while his last seven have ended in wins for the Reds. He has a 1.80 ERA while winning three straight home starts against the Brewers.

Cueto is also trying to help Cincinnati to just its third win in eight games after the offense was shut down to three hits in last night’s  2-0 loss. That followed an 8-3 series-opening win on Thursday, during which the Reds collected 12 hits with three homers.

The Offense may be quiet again since the Brewers are turning to their ace Yovani Gallardo (2-0, 1.91), who has a 2.88 ERA over his last four starts, but has no wins to show for as he is (0-0) in those starts.

He’s 2-0 with a 2.59 ERA in his last four starts against the Reds, with Milwaukee winning each. However, he’s surrendered eight runs and 13 hits over 12 innings in his last two meetings.

Gallardo has found some success against Joey Votto, who is 4 for 21 with a homer and eight walks against home over the past three years.

Votto is batting .395 at home, doubling in each of the past three games. He’s walked three times in this series, raising his total to 27 to rank among baseball’s leaders.

First pitch is at 7:10pm, TV : FSN OHIO, RADIO: 700 WLW.