Johnny Cueto dominated our Padres in game 1 of today's doubleheader as Ian Kennedy couldn't keep the Reds from crossing home plate. Hoping for better luck this afternoon as Tyson Ross gets set to close out the series in the nightcap rubber match.
Ross' last two starts have been brilliant. He's kept opponents to one run in seven innings each time. He also allowed one run in seven innings the last time he faced Cincinnati, in a victory at Great American Ballpark on August 10th of last year.
The Reds are sending Jeff Francis to the mound for the rubber game. Alfredo Simon was originally scheduled to start the series finale, but Cincy instead decided to push back his start and utilize their 26th man to allow an extra day of rest for Simon. Francis is 4-3 with a 3.33 ERA in eight starts this year at Triple-A Louisville. He's made 27 career starts against San Diego, going 7-14 with a 5.62 ERA.
The second game of the doubleheader is scheduled for 3:10 PDT. See if our Friars can get their first series victory on the road.