VS:
Game 1: June 23rd, 2009
Sportsnet, 7:07 PM
Micah Owings Vs. Brian Tallet
Scouting Report:
Reds: Owings pitched six innings and allowed two runs on Wednesday against the Braves in his first win since May 12. He started off shaky when he allowed two runs through the first three innings, but he settled down and followed with three scoreless innings. Owings also helped his cause with a three-run homer that gave the Reds a 4-2 lead that they wouldn't relinquish. In his career, Owings has never faced the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays: With 13 turns out of Toronto's rotation this season, Tallet has made more than twice the number of starts he had going into 2009 (six). The former reliever has posted a 4-4 record, a 4.54 ERA and a .230 opponents' batting average since being shifted out of the Blue Jays' bullpen at the end of April. On Friday, Tallet allowed one run on five hits in five innings of a no-decision on the road against the Nationals. The left-hander might've worked longer, but playing under National League rules led manager Cito Gaston to turn to a pinch hitter in a close contest. He will be pitching on short rest against the Reds.
Game 2: June 24th, 2009
7:07 PM, Sportsnet
Bronson Arroyo Vs. Scott Richmond
Scouting Report:
Reds: Arroyo earned his first victory since May 27 against the White Sox last Friday by pitching a near-flawless 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on two hits. He also had seven strikeouts with his only mistake a two-run homer to Chris Getz with two outs in the fourth. In his career against the Blue Jays, Arroyo is 2-4 with a 5.84 ERA. Last season, the Blue Jays rocked him for 10 earned runs in just one inning.
Blue Jays: On June 17, Richmond piled up a career-high 11 strikeouts in an impressive win on the road against the Phillies. He worked eight innings, allowed one run, scattered five hits and walked one. The lone run Richmond surrendered came on a solo home run from Jayson Werth in the fourth inning. Following that blast, the right-handed rookie retired the final 13 batters he faced in order. Richmond had his next start pushed back one day after working one-plus inning out of the bullpen in an extra-inning game against the Nationals on Saturday.
Game 3: June 25th, 2009
7:07 PM, Sportsnet
Johnny Cueto Vs. Brett Cecil
Scouting Report:
Reds: Cueto struggled against the White Sox on Saturday, allowing five runs in 4 2/3 innings. The five runs allowed were a season high, as were the 10 hits he gave up. Cueto also was rocked for three home runs after he had allowed just 11 on the season. Cueto will look to rebound against the Blue Jays, who he has never faced in his career.
