A Tale of Two Cities

The Reds have won 3 of their last 4 with 3 shutouts to improve their record to 13-11 overall and tied for second in the central while the Red Sox have lost 3 of their last 4 and were outscored in those games 24-5. While not as bad as last season, the two opponents are from opposite ends of the baseball spectrum. The Pirates, whom the Reds just took the series from, have been struggling for years although the '09 club appears to be making strides in the right direction. The Tampa Rays, the Sox newest divisional rival, have once again taken 2 of 3 and won the second series of the season. After sweeping the Yankees, the Sox have gone 3-4 and start a 2-game series in the Bronx today. Not good timing. The Reds pitching has been on fire as they head to Florida for a 2-game series with the Marlins.