Houston at Cincinnati 7:10 p.m. ET

Jay Bruce could be in good shape to match the Cincinnati Reds' club record for consecutive games with a homer based on his history against Lucas Harrell. 

Bruce has gone deep in four straight games and has fared well in his career against the Houston Astros starter, who will take the ball for Friday night's matchup. 

The Reds' franchise record for homers in consecutive games is five, a mark shared by Ted Kluszewski, Johnny Bench, Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn, who accomplished the feat May 14-19, 2008. 

The slugger is 4 for 7 with one homer and two doubles against Harrell (10-9, 3.81 ERA), who surrendered that home run April 28 when he was charged with six runs over six innings of a 6-0 loss at Cincinnati. 

Harrell pitched well in his next two outings against the Reds, allowing one run over seven innings and not receiving decisions, both at home. That includes his last start in Houston's 2-1 victory Saturday. 

Bruce went 1 for 2 with a double and a walk against the right-hander in that contest just before he began his home run streak. 

Harrell has a 5.10 ERA on the road compared to 2.06 at home. 

Homer Bailey (10-9, 4.09) will oppose Harrell again after he struck out nine and yielded one run over eight innings Saturday. Bailey, who did not get a decision, has gone 4-0 with a 1.29 ERA in seven career starts against Houston (42-95). 

The right-hander, though, has posted a 7.16 ERA in losing his last three home outings. 

Cincinnati (83-55) took two of three last weekend to improve to 9-3 in the season series. 

The Astros didn't see Joey Votto in that set. The former NL MVP went 2 for 3 with a walk Wednesday as he played for the first time after being out since July 15 with a knee injury. 

Votto is 11 for 20 with two homers, nine RBIs and seven runs against Houston this year. His .369 career average against the Astros is his second-best versus an NL opponent. 

The Reds are 8 1/2 games ahead of St. Louis in the NL Central and battling Washington for home-field advantage throughout the postseason. 

Cincinnati has dropped four of six at home, but Houston is 14-55 on the road. 


Astros are 9-42 in their last 51 games following a loss.
Astros are 9-44 in their last 53 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Astros are 10-51 in their last 61 games as an underdog.
Astros are 9-46 in their last 55 road games.
Astros are 4-9 in Harrells last 13 starts as an underdog.

Astros are 4-12 in Harrells last 16 road starts.

Astros are 4-12 in Harrells last 16 starts as a road underdog.

Reds are 4-0 in their last 4 games following a loss.
Reds are 4-0 in their last 4 games following an off day.
Reds are 12-2 in their last 14 Friday games.
Reds are 12-3 in their last 15 games as a favorite of -151 to -200.
Reds are 4-0 in Baileys last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Reds are 7-1 in Baileys last 8 Friday starts.
Reds are 18-6 in Baileys last 24 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Reds are 6-2 in Baileys last 8 starts as a home favorite of -151 to -200.
Reds are 32-15 in Baileys last 47 starts as a favorite.
Reds are 3-7 in Baileys last 10 home starts.

Ok let's face it, Bailey not the greatest pitcher at home but when you're facing the worst team in the league you can't be all that bad especially when their pitcher is horrid on the road. Harrel has struggled on the road and will continue tonight. Reds had a day off and are now starting a 6 game home stand vs the Astros and the Pirates. I'll take them probably every day....well see. For now we hit em up tonight on the RL and make some Friday night cash. Tonight take the Reds. Good Luck

CIN REDS -1½EV

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