Tony Cingrani and Michael Wacha engaged in a pitching duel in their first game of the 2014 season. The two pitchers did not allow a run for a combined 13 2/3 innings. Now they meet up once again in a different stadium, hoping for the same efficient results. The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals faced off in the first three games of the year with the Reds taking two. Now as the series switches to St. Louis, the Cardinals are hoping for better results.
The Reds have struggled early with a 2-4 record to start the season. Not having closer Aroldis Chapman or Jonathon Broxton or Sean Marshall certainly do not help the pitching rotation either. Mat Latos is also sitting out after undergoing knee surgery in spring training. The Reds have not started the season in favorable fashion as eight players sit on the 15-day disabled list which is the most of any team in the majors right now.
Playing in St. Louis certainly does not help Cincinnati's chances at getting a needed win. The team has been dominated by the Cardinals on the road. Overall, St. Louis has 25 wins in the series with three losses in the last 30 meetings. However, these two teams are not fans of each other so the rivalry is always interesting no matter what the records say.
In Cingrani's first trip up against St. Louis, the left-hander went seven innings, giving up just two hits while striking out nine. It was impressive for the second-year player who looks to continue his success. Watcha looked strong as well going 6.2 innings, giving up three hits and seven strikeouts.
Last season, the Reds spoiled the Cardinals' home opener, putting up nine runs in a 13-4 win. That played very little into their overall season as the Cardinals are coming off a 97-win season and are completely healthy. The Cardinals are 3-3 right now after feasting off division contenders. Beating the Reds at home would only continue the season trend.