Reds-Phillies Game 2 Preview

PHILADEPHIA- The next two games in the Reds/Phillies series, are outstanding pitching matchups in both sides, beginning with tonight’s duel in-game 2 of the series as the Reds look for a rare series’ victory in Philly.

In the second game of the weekend series between the Reds and Phillies, Homer Bailey (3-2, 4.72 ERA) is starting for Cincinnati against lefty Cole Hamels (0-2, 5.32).

Following a couple of pretty rocky starts, Hamels looked good on Sunday when he allowed seven hits, one run, three walks and struck out 10 in seven innings against the Mets. He was in line for the win, but after Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon told manager Ryne Sandberg he could not pitch because of soreness, the Phillies bullpen blew a three-run lead in the ninth, and eventually the game in 11 innings.

Hamels has dominated the Reds in his career. He is 7-0 with a 1.70 ERA against them in 10 career starts.

Bailey also looked good in his last start. He gave up only a solo homer to Charlie Blackmon over 7 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and striking out six in a Cincinnati 4-1 win over the Rockies. He began his delivery with his hands over his head, a mechanical sequence he had not used since 2009.

“I needed something to get my timing back,” Bailey said.

“To make that kind of adjustment over the course of one start is very impressive,” Reds manager Bryan Price said.

Bailey is 0-3 in eight career starts vs. Philadelphia, but owns a 3.61 ERA.

First pitch is at 7:05pm, TV: FSN OHIO, RADIO: 700 WLW.

May 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey releases a pitch against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

NOTES: Following Friday’s game, the Reds’ brain trust was planning to meet to discuss the plan of action for first baseman Joey Votto. On Friday, an MRI exam in Cincinnati revealed that Votto had a strained left quadriceps muscle.

The club did not put Votto on the disabled list, but it remained a possibility. With Votto out, Brayan Pena, Neftali Soto or Todd Frazier could see time at first base