The Cincinnati Reds take on the Miami Marlins in MLB action. The Reds have won six of their last eight games and are making a strong push for an NL Wild Card spot. The Reds offense has put up 12 runs in their last three games and they have won nine of their last 10 games when scoring four or more runs. The Reds will send Vladimir Gutierrez to the mound for today's start. This season he has posted a 9-4 record with a 3.68 ERA and 73 strikeouts this season.

The Marlins are can't wait for the season to be over and they are playing like it. The Marlins have now lost nine of their last 11 games. The Marlins offense has scored 11 runs in their last three games and they have lost 13 straight games when scoring three or fewer runs. Sandy Alcantara will take the mound against the reds. This season he has posted a 7-12 record with a 3.35 ERA and 146 strikeouts this season. He is 0-2 with a 3.60 ERA and 21 strikeouts against the Reds in his career.

At this part of the season, a lot comes down to motivation, the Reds have it and the Marlins don't. Vladimir Gutierrez has allowed just six runs in his last 32.1 innings. On the road, he has posted a 2.92 ERA in 52.1 innings. Take the better team with something to play for.

Play on Cincinnati.