This evening the Reds, coming off a 3 games to 1 near-sweep of the Colorado Rockies, are home for their final series leading into the All-Star break, hosting the Miami Marlins. Miami’s struggling with a lot of injuries to pitchers, and their record’s far worse than the Reds’ 45 & 49 so far– the big fish have only won 32 games so far, and lost 61. Starting pitching tonight has Miami’s Yonny Chirinos with no record and a 4.19 ERA facing Cincy’s Carson Spiers, who’s 2 & 2 with a 3.64. Cincinnati put the Rocks away pretty easily Thursday, 8 to 1, with a 3-run homer from Tyler Stephenson, and new National League All-Star pitcher Hunter Greene striking out 10 Rockies. Jonathan India and Spencer Steer each got on base a lot and scored a couple times each. Join us for the broadcast at 6:40 this evening, on the Sports Voice, 103.9 WRBI.
Local skepticism was right– it looks like Batesville native Bryan Hoeing won’t be starting any of those Marlins’ games against the Reds this weekend. After Yonny Chirinos this evening, the scheduled starters are Edward Carrera tomorrow, and Trevor Rogers Sunday. The timing of the rest pitchers need after a start probably played into Miami’s lineup decisions… but of course they also need Bryan’s abilities as one of their top relievers, so he may appear, just not to open any of these 3 games at the Ballpark. And manager Skip Schumaker says he appreciates Hoeing’s attitude and flexibility, doing whatever he’s needed to, to help the team.
Former Boilermaker Zach Edey is already getting it done for the Memphis Grizzlies in NBA Summer League play. Our Rob Lafary got to see the 7 foot 4 star play for the Griz in Salt Lake City against the Jazz last week, a game where Edey scored 14 points and pulled down 15 boards, before tipping the ball back in at the final horn to put it into overtime. Utah ended up winning it 97-95 in the extra period, but Rob says Zach clearly proved his ability to compete with all the other pros.
Lots of excitement on tap tomorrow and Sunday, in double-header IndyCar oval races at Iowa Speedway, where Josef Newgarden’s dominated the last few years, winning 4 of the last 5 events there. Saturday night it’ll be the Homefront 250, Sunday afternoon another 250-miler, and throughout the weekend, capacity crowds totaling some 85 thousand race fans are expected. All the top drivers are there, including Newgarden, along with points leader Alex Palou, plus Will Power and Pato O’Ward.