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Indians-Reds Preview

Jun 26, 2010 - 4:19 AM By MATT BEARDMORE STATS Writer

Cleveland (26-45) at Cincinnati (40-33), 7:10 p.m. EDT

The Cincinnati Reds haven't had a problem scoring runs against the Cleveland Indians this season. Rookie starter Sam LeCure could use that kind of run support.

The NL Central-leading Reds try for their fifth straight win Saturday night when they continue their intrastate series with the visiting Indians.

After averaging hitting six homers while taking two of three in Cleveland from May 21-23, Cincinnati (41-33) tagged Indians pitching for 12 hits in Friday's 10-3 series-opening victory. Drew Stubbs homered and drove in a career high-tying four runs and Scott Rolen hit his third home run in his last two games against the Indians.

"The offense came through big-time," said manager Dusty Baker, whose club will try for its first five-game winning streak since May 8-12. "It feels good to get a lot of hits."

The Reds, one-half game ahead of St. Louis for the division lead, are batting an NL-best .275 and averaging 4.9 runs.

LeCure (1-4, 4.50 ERA) has not benefited from that type of support. Since winning his major league debut May 28 against Houston, the right-hander has pitched opposite St. Louis' Chris Carpenter, San Francisco right-hander Matt Cain, reigning AL Cy Young winner Zack Greinke and Seattle's Felix Hernandez, losing each time as the Reds have totaled five runs in those games.

"Sometimes you have to play David to Goliath," LeCure told the Reds' official website after giving up season highs of five runs and eight hits in Saturday's 5-1 loss at Seattle. "I'm right there. I know I can hang with these guys."

LeCure will try to help the Reds clinch their seventh consecutive series win against Cleveland (26-46), which dropped a season-worst 20 games below .500 with Friday's loss. The Indians are 1-10 since a four-game winning streak, have dropped six straight on their current road trip, and have lost 22 of their last 28 games in NL parks.

They'll try to bounce back Saturday with Justin Masterson (2-6, 4.87) on the mound.

The right-hander committed a throwing error and surrendered two first-inning runs in his last start, but the right-hander gave up just two singles and no runs over the next five innings. He wound up without a decision in Sunday's 5-3 loss at Pittsburgh.

Masterson has committed four errors this season, one in each of his last two starts.

"Justin needs some work, obviously, on defense on the mound," manager Manny Acta told the Indians' official website.

Masterson lost his only previous start against Cincinnati, allowing three runs over 6 2-3 innings for Boston on June 13, 2008.

Reds right fielder Jay Bruce, who is 1 for 3 with a homer lifetime against Masterson, is 8 for 10 over his last three games including a 2-for-2 effort Friday night. He's 7 for 14 versus the Indians this season.

Brandon Phillips went 2 for 5 out of the Reds leadoff spot Friday, keeping his average at .400 during the team's four-game winning streak. Phillips, who played for Cleveland from 2002-05, is batting .349 in 27 games against his former team.