Bobby Nightengale, Cincinnati EnquirerFacing left-handed pitching has been an issue for the Cincinnati Reds all season and that’ll be a test for them this week as they try to grow their lead in the wild-card race.
The Reds are scheduled to face a left-handed starting pitcher in four of their next five games.
The Reds have a 16-12 record in games started by left-handers, but they have the National League's lowest batting average (.229), third-lowest on-base percentage (.310) and second-lowest slugging percentage (.375) against lefties. They rank first or second in all three categories against right-handers with a .257/.336/.448 slash line.
"We have, I believe, towards the fewest games versus left-handed starters on the year," Bell said. "I think that's a factor. We just haven't seen them a lot. It'd be great to get going against them. We know we're going to play big games against left-handed starters."
LHP Jon Lester is scheduled to start for Cardinals @ Reds tonight