In the first two games of the series, it was the bullpen that decided the game. In the first game, the Reds destroyed Atlanta’s bullpen. Last night, it was the Braves who destroyed Cincinnati’s bullpen and evened the series. This afternoon’s game will decide the winner of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET.

Starting line-up

Starting pitchers

Julian Aguiar

Julian Aguiar has only made six major league appearances, but has been inconsistent in that time. His last two starts have been good, allowing just three earned runs in 11.0 total innings.

The splits in the major leagues for Aguiar show that right-handed hitters make a lot more contact, but so far have lower batting average and less power than their left-handed counterparts. The sample size is pretty small, though.

Divisions

Pitch usage

Chris Sales

Sale, this year’s likely Cy Young Award winner, has done exceptionally well after recovering from several years of injuries. He made seven straight All-Star appearances from 2012-18 and finally made one again this year. On June 1, he allowed eight runs and two home runs in 4.0 innings against Oakland. Since that day, he has posted a 1.89 ERA in 105.0 innings and allowed just two home runs.

On the surface, the differences aren’t as great as one might imagine. Right-handers only had a 44-point advantage in OPS against Sale. But teams have fielded more than five times as many right-handers to face him — meaning only the absolute best left-handers in the game are allowed to face him, and they’re not hitting.

Divisions

Pitch usage

When and where

• Playing time: 1:10 p.m. ET
• Where: Big American ballpark
• Regard: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv
• Hear: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
• Forecast: 30°, partly cloudy, 5% chance of rain

News and information

Yosver Zulueta appointed, Casey Legumina optional

This morning, the Reds sent Casey Legumina back to Triple-A after he pitched for the team in yesterday’s game. Yosver Zulueta returns to join the Reds and take Legumina’s place in the bullpen for the time being.

Keeping the series alive

While Julian Aguiar has a 2-0 record, the Reds have a 6-0 record in his six appearances this season.

Reds junior player named league pitcher of the year

Nestor Lorant was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the Year for his efforts with the Daytona Tortugas. He went 8-3 with a 1.44 ERA this season. We have more details and some video highlights from his best performance of the year here if you want to check it out in more detail.

Division table