Cleveland Indians @ Cincinnati Reds 6-9-07 Pregame

2nd game of a 3 game series played by the indians and reds tonight at 7:10 eastern. Matt Belisle pitches against Jeremy Sowers following the reds 5-4 win over Cleveland last night that showcased Homer Bailey's first MLB game and win. Here are the lineups:
Reds:
1. Norris Hopper LF
2. Brandon Phillips 2B
3. Ken Griffey Jr. RF
4. Jeff Conine 1B
5. Edwin Encarnacion 3B
6. Josh Hamilton CF
7. Alex Gonzalez SS
8. David Ross C
9. Matt Belisle P

Indians:
1. Grady Sizemore CF
2. Casey Blake 3B
3. Travis Hafner 1B
4. Victor Martinez C
5. Trot Nixon RF
6. Johny Peralta SS
7. David Dellucci LF
8. Josh Barfield 2B
9. Jeremy Sowers P

Pretty much the same lineup tonight from Jerry Narron, except Josh Hamilton has taken Adam Dunn's spot in the 6 hole. Adam Dunn gets the game off tonight, so Norris Hopper will take his spot in left field and bat leadoff as he did last night. Almost the same lineup as last night against Homer Bailey for the indians, except Peralta is in at shortstop for Rouse.

Matt Belisle, tonights starter, is 5-4 with a 4.48 ERA this year. Last week, he gave up 5 runs in 61/3 innings against the rockies, getting the no decision. Jeremy Sowers, the starter for the indians, is 1-6 with a 6.63 this year. Because he has pitched so poorly, he is most likely pitching for his spot in the indian's rotation.

Tonights weather at Great American Ballpark is about 80 degrees and sunny with no chance of rain. The wind will be blowing from the NNE at about 9mph, and the sun will be setting at 9:03 PM.

Facing a struggling pitcher like Jeremy Sowers hopefully will get the reds bats going even more than they have been in the previous nights. Hopefully Matt Belisle can pitch a good game. I'd be fine with 7 innings and 3 or 4 runs. I expect to see McBeth tonight, as the bullpen may be a little tired from last night. Jon Counlangus may have to break out of his slump, because he might be the only left-hander available in the pen with Mike Stanton being used for 2 scoreless innings last night.

Here are the NL Central Standings: Wins Losses Percentage Games Back

Milwaukee	33	28	.541	-
Chi Cubs	27	32	.458	5.0
St. Louis	26	32	.448	5.5
Pittsburgh	26	36	.419	7.5
Houston	25	35	.417	7.5
Cincinnati	24	38	.387	9.5

I think that a realistic goal would be to get into 2nd place by the middle of June. The reds are only 4.5 games out of 2nd place, and 9.5 out of first. This season is not over yet, the reds still have a shot at winning the division.

My prediction for tonight's game is the reds wining 6-3. Matt Belisle will have a solid start, and the reds offense will hit Jeremy Sowers. Hopefully that prediction comes true. Lets get the 3rd win in a row, reds!