The Cincinnati Reds continue to be a dominating team in 2015 as one of the only left who still remain undefeated on the year. The team is aiming to start 5-0 in the upcoming game a they face off for Game 2 against the St. Louis Cardinals while putting ace Johnny Cueto on the mound.
The biggest difference for the Reds this season is a healthy Joey Votto. Injured most of 2014, he watched as the team failed to make the playoffs, but now he returns healthy and ready to contribute which he is doing very well at the moment. He missed the final 80 games of 2014 after straining his left knee. However, he is dominating 2015 while putting up a two-run home in Friday's win while also having a walk-off RBI single to beat Pittsburgh earlier in the week. He is 7 for 17 with three homers and eight RBIs. Votto is downplaying his success at the moment, but it is making a difference.
Cueto takes the mound with wavering success against the Cardinals. The pitcher is 1-2 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts last season while giving up jut three hits over eight innings the last time he saw the team. Jon Jay has the most success against Cueto on the Cardinals roster. He is 12 for 25 against the starter with three home runs.
St. Louis will put up Michael Wacha on the mount after last season's injury hurt his 2014. He went 5-6 with a 3.20 ERA in 19 starts, but then he missed three months with a shoulder injury. He is now healthy and hoping to hand Cincinnati their first loss of the season as he stressed his shoulder is not an issue anymore. He is 1-1 with a 2.63 ERA in five starts against the Reds.
"Ever since I came back last year, I haven't thought about (the injury) when I was on the mound," Wacha said, via ESPN.com. "As far as I know, it was a rare injury. I'm not sure where it came from."