Reds and Giants Fight for Position in N.L. Playoffs

Two of the best teams in the Nation League face off in game 2 of a 3 game series Tuesday night. Despite the fact the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants are separated by just 3 games in terms of record, they are on two totally different sides of the spectrum in division play.

The Reds may be the biggest surprise of the season as they lead the St. Louis Cardinals by 3.5 games late in August. Not too many MLB experts predicted that Cincinnati would have enough to hold off the powerhouse Cardinals, but they have. The Reds have shown much more offense than baseball handicappers had projected this season. They are led by Joey Votto who is having an MVP type season. Votto is currently first in the N.L. in batting average, OBP and OPS. He is 2nd in runs batted in and third in home runs, and has the possibility of getting the triple-crown with a solid end of the season. Along with Votto, Scott Rolen, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce and Jonny Gomes are having tremendous years. This line up has outscored their opponents by a total of 99 runs, and have allowed the 3rd fewest runs in the N.L. Cincy is the real deal, and will make the Cardinals fight to the finish to beat them.

The Giants have been known for their pitching prowess for the last few years, but they have stepped up offensively in 2010. As of August 23rd, the Giants have the 5th best pitching staff in all of baseball. This is to be expected with pitchers such as Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain. However, no one thought they would be able to score runs with the line-up they throw out there every day. Aubrey Huff has been awesome this year. He has 21 homeruns, 70 runs batted in and a .295 batting average. This team is not filled with perennial All-Stars, but they have grit, and the ability to manufacture runs.

This game is equally as important to both squads as the Giants are looking to gain ground on the Padres in the N.L. West, and the Reds are hoping to hold off the Cardinals for the N.L. Central title. Jonathan Sanchez and Travis Wood will be at their best Tuesday to give their teams the opportunity to win. If you are a true baseball fan, then you need to check out this match-up between 2 of the best teams in the National League.

Related posts:

1. Giants and Reds Send Aces to the Mound Monday Night
2. Reds and Cardinals Battle down the stretch for the N.L. Central
3. Giants vs. Cardinals Fight to Break Through
4. Reds and Dodgers Battle in National League Showdown
5. Giants look to get it going against Pittsburgh

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