Cincinnati Reds vs Boston Red Sox – May 30, 2023 – Redleg Nation

The Cincinnati Reds (24-29) continue its two city road trip tonight with the start of a three game series against the Boston Red Sox (28-25) at historic Fenway Park. First pitch is at 7:10 EDT.

The Red Sox come into this series three games over .500, yet find themselves in fourth place and 9.5 games behind the division leading Tampa Bay Rays, thanks to being in the AL East, the best division in baseball. The Red Sox have won with with its offense. They are third in the AL in OPS at .762, fourth in batting average at .262, and third in RBIs.

The Red Sox’s pitching staff has what’s hurt them. Their team ERA is 4.68, with only the White Sox, Royals, and A’s being worse. Their staff has also pitched the least amount of innings in the AL and has given up 75 home runs.

Lineups

Nick Senzel was a late scratch from the lineup. Kevin Newman is now starting at third base.

Starting Pitchers

Ben Lively

When Nick Lodolo went down with a calf injury, everyone wondered who would step up in his place. Through 17.0 innings and two starts, right-hander Ben Lively has done an excellent job. He allowed only two runs and struck out eight in 5.2 innings against the Yankees, and in his most recent start, Lively pitched six full innings, allowing only two runs (two solo homers) and striking out another eight batters.

It might be impressive that Lively’s only walked three batters in 17 innings, but actually he’s never really walked a lot of batters in his career. In his entire career, both majors, minors and KBO, he’s only had a BB/9 greater than 4.00 three times in ten years.

Career Splits

Pitch Usage – 2023

Brayan Bello 

Twenty-four year old Brayan Bello is in his sophomore season and having a fairly average season to date. He hasn’t been good, but he also hasn’t been terrible. His ERA is sitting at 4.08 in 35.1 innings. In his most recent start against the Angels on 5/23, he allowed two runs, both home runs, on six hits with six strikeouts and zero walks. He pitched seven innings that start, his longest outing of the season.

Bello has five pitches, but almost never throws his curve ball. He replies on his two-seam fastball, while mixing in a four-seamer, change up and slider.

Career Splits

Pitch Usage

Details:

• Time: 7:10 pm EDT
• Place: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
• Forecast: 63 degrees, mostly sunny, 0 percent chance of rain
• TV: Bally Sports Ohio
• Radio: 700 WLW

News and Notes

It was only his second week in the major leagues, but Matt McLain is already getting recognition from MLB.

Doug’s got you covered on the latest news and notes for what youngsters will start with the rookie league this week in the farm report.

Chattanooga pitcher Tommy Eveld received some accolades for his performance last week.

Stat of the Day

Final Thoughts

This series has me reminiscing about my trip to Boston and Fenway Park exactly a year ago. If you ever have a chance to visit Fenway, I would highly recommend taking that opportunity. It’s a magical place, and worth every penny to see it.