PREVIEW: Battle of Ohio kicks off Monday as Indians take on Reds

CLEVELAND– The annual interleague rivalry series known as the Battle of Ohio or the Ohio Cup kicks off Monday night at Progressive Field as the Cincinnati Reds (39-51) come to town to take on the Cleveland Indians (49-39).

Time: 7:10 p.m.

Starting Pitchers: CLE Mike Clevinger (3.11, 7-3) vs. CIN Anthony DeSclafani (5.08, 3-1)

TV:  SportsTime Ohio

Online: MLB.TV

Radio: WTAM 1100 AM, WMMS 100.7 FM, Indians Radio Network

1. 100 percent chance of Sunshine

Mike Clevinger will be making his first start since July 1 against Oakland. The right-hander is coming off his seventh win and 11th quality start of the season. Clevinger is just 12 innings away from a new career-high in innings pitched for a single season, and continues to show that he can go deeper into games more consistently.

DeSclafani missed all of 2017 with a UCL injury and has struggled somewhat in his return this year. He’s pitched just 33.2 innings this season, and has allowed 19 runs.

2. Containing Votto and Gennett

Joey Votto and Scooter Gennett are the two players to watch in this series. Gennett will be heading to his first All-Star game, and is currently slashing .326/.368/.515. Votto continues to excel at the plate at 34 years old, and is slashing .292/.425/.437. He also leads the Reds with 68 walks.

3. Bounce back series

After going 5-4 over their latest nine-game road trip, the Tribe returned home and dropped two out of three games to the Oakland A’s. Monday night is the perfect opportunity for them to begin a bounce-back series.

Cleveland is 7-4 in interleague play so far this year.