Cincinnati at Baltimore

The Reds are on life support in terms of a potential playoffs berth, and last night's loss didn't help. Baltimore has all but wrapped up the AL East. The Birds have a 9.5 game lead, and it is getting to the point where cruise control kicks in, and after taking the opener they may be in for a letdown here vs. the now desperate Reds. Dylan Axelrod has pitched well, and faced the O's less than a week ago where he turned in a gem, allowing 1 run in 7.1 innings. Miguel Gonzalez has had a tough season, and was even demoted to the minors to work things out. While he has pitched better of late, there has to be concern over the fact he has served up 14 long ones in his last 11 starts, and he has led the O's to a disappointing 1-4 mark the last five times he took the bump as a favorite. This is a favorable opportunity for the Reds to cash in, so make the play on Cincinnati.