CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Guardians are set to face off against the Cincinnati Reds in a highly anticipated three-game series at Progressive Field. This intrastate rivalry, often jokingly referred to as the battle for the Ohio Cup, carries extra weight this year as both teams look to improve their standings.
Guardians Look to Overcome Reds' Early Season Sweep
Earlier this season, the Reds swept the Guardians in Cincinnati, leaving a bitter taste in Cleveland's mouth. The Guardians will be eager to avenge that loss and prove their dominance on their home turf.
Starting Lineups and Pitching Matchup
The Guardians will be relying on RHP Luis Ortiz (3-6, 4.02 ERA) to hold down the Reds' offense. Ortiz is coming off a strong performance against the Yankees, where he pitched 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. For the Reds, LHP Wade Miley (0-0, 18.00 ERA) will be making his first start of the season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Miley has a solid track record at Progressive Field, with a career 2.59 ERA in the stadium.
Here are the expected starting lineups:
Cleveland Guardians:
- 3B José Ramírez
- 1B Carlos Santana
- SS Gabriel Arias
- RF Johnathan Rodríguez
- 2B Angel Martínez
Cincinnati Reds:
- SS Elly De La Cruz
- 1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand
- C Tyler Stephenson
- 3B Santiago Espinal
Key Players to Watch
For the Guardians, all eyes will be on José Ramírez, who is currently riding a 34-game on-base streak. The Reds' Christian Encarnacion-Strand is also on a hot streak, having homered in each of his last three games.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
The Guardians recently activated veteran outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez and optioned infielder Jhonkensy Noel to Triple-A Columbus, hoping he'll find his rhythm there. Stay tuned for further updates on Andrew Walters, Will Brennan, and Juan Brito.
Can the Guardians Retain the Ohio Cup?
While the Ohio Cup is largely symbolic, this series offers a chance for the Guardians to prove their mettle against a division rival. With a strong pitching performance and timely hitting, they could erase the memory of that earlier sweep and solidify their position in the standings.