Blue Jays Face Reds in Rubber Match Wednesday Night

Cincinnati, OH — The Toronto Blue Jays (80-59) will take on the Cincinnati Reds (70-69) Wednesday night in the rubber match of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park. The game starts at 6:40 p.m. ET.

This series is tied 1-1. Toronto won the second game on Tuesday, defeating the Reds 12-9. The Blue Jays scored four runs in both the first and second innings. DH George Springer stood out with two home runs and three RBIs, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

For the Reds, their two-game winning streak ended with this loss. Cincinnati entered the game as a +112 underdog and had to rely heavily on their bullpen after starting pitcher Nick Lodolo was scratched due to injury. Left fielder Austin Hays contributed four RBIs, including a three-run shot in the second inning, helping the Reds outhit Toronto 15-12.

In the upcoming matchup, the Blue Jays will send RHP Shane Bieber (1-1, 2.38 ERA) to the mound for his third start. He has recorded 15 strikeouts while allowing just seven hits and no walks in 11 1/3 innings. The Reds will counter with RHP Zack Littell (9-8, 3.63 ERA) making his 28th start of the season. He has a 1.12 WHIP and averages 6.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

Despite their overall strong performance this season, the Blue Jays have struggled on the road with a 35-35 record. The Reds, however, are tough at home, boasting a 38-32 record.

After relying on their bullpen in Tuesday’s game, Cincinnati is hoping for a deep outing from Littell. He has pitched at least six innings in two of his last three starts and has allowed one earned run or fewer in three of his last six outings.

Betting predictions indicate value on the Reds to win outright or to cover a +1.5 spread. Additionally, the Blue Jays have consistently hit the Over, achieving that in nine of their last ten games, which includes their last three games. Meanwhile, the Reds have also seen their offensive output increase, scoring at least five runs in four of their last five games.