MLB Picks: Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Odds: August 18th 2010

Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
MLB Pick: Cincinnati Reds -122 odds
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We won with the Reds in this spot last night and we will come back with Cincinnati again on Wednesday. The Reds remain in control in the National League Central as they have a two-game lead over St. Louis. Cincinnati has surprised many this season with the way it has been playing as it has not fallen back like many thought would happen.

Prior to last night’s victory over Arizona, the Reds came off a home sweep against Florida which was impressive as that could have been the spot for the fold after they were swept at home against the Cardinals right before that. The Reds have won eight of their last nine road games to move to 32-25 on the road for the season.

While Cincinnati has surprised in a positive way, Arizona has been a huge disappointment this season. The Diamondbacks are 26 games under .500 as both the pitching and the hitting has led to a very underachieving season. Arizona has definitely been better at home than on the road however it is five games under .500 at Chase Field which shows there really is not a home edge at all.

Edinson Volquez will be making just his seventh start of the season since coming off the disabled list for Tommy John surgery and after a rehab assignment in Louisville and he has gotten progressively better. Over his last three starts, totaling 17.2 innings, Volquez is 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA while allowing just one run in each of those three starts. He now faces the worst hitting team since his comeback so the success should carry forward.

The Diamondbacks go with Rodrigo Lopez and he has been as inconsistent as they come. He has given up 26 earned runs in 35 innings since the All Star break, a 6.69 ERA, while allowing nine home runs. The nine homers have added to his 28 total home runs allowed which is the most in baseball and the Reds have hit the third most dingers in the National League. That is not a good combination for Lopez.

The Reds are 13-3 in Volquez’ last 16 starts on the road when the line is between +125 and -125 while also going 8-0 in their last eight road games against right-handed starters.

Arizona has lost 14 of the last 17 meetings including six straight at home against Cincinnati. 3* Cincinnati Reds