The Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins resume their weekend series on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. ET. Miami looks to win its second straight after defeating Cincinnati, 4-0, on Friday night. Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto takes the hill looking for his 18th win, which would tie him for second in the major leagues with New York Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Mark Buehrle takes the hill for the home-standing Marlins.
Cueto's 18 wins are accompanied by a 2.71 ERA, which ranks fourth in the majors. Despite his impressive numbers, the Reds' ace hasn't pitched well in his last two outings. Cueto has allowed eight earned runs on 17 hits in his last 11 innings. Against the Houston Astros on Sept. 9, he gave up four runs on nine hits in four innings, taking his second consecutive loss. In his last start against the Marlins, Cueto pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and two walks. He struck out four.
Buehrle enters Saturday's game with a 12-12 record and a 3.74 ERA. In his last outing, the lefty took a no-decision against the Washington Nationals, allowing three runs on five hits in seven innings.
The Reds have a comfortable lead in the NL Central and are chasing Washington for the best record in the National League. The Marlins are in a battle with the Mets to avoid a last-place finish in the NL East.
For more on the Marlins, check out Fish Stripes and stick with SB Nation Tampa Bay. For the Reds, visit Red Reporter.