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The Cincinnati Reds play the New York Mets tonight in New York in the second game of their three game series. Cincinnati won the opener in the series 7-3 to win their fourth straight game. Previous to this series, the teams only played a two game series in May in which they split 1-1. In tonight’s matchup, the Reds will send Homer Bailey to the mound to try to for their fifth consecutive win.

Bailey is 4-4 on the season with an ERA of 4.35. He has pitched much better away from home than in Cincinnati. The Reds are 4-1 over the last five starts Bailey has made away from Cincinnati. In his last outing, Bailey allowed three runs in 6 1/3 innings, but did not get the decision, as the relievers could not hold the lead.

The Mets will go with Jon Niese to try to get back to their winning ways tonight. Niese is 4-2 on the season with an ERA of 3.69. In his last two starts, Niese has not give up an earned run, including his last game where he pitched seven scoreless innings against the New York Yankees. In Niese’s last five outings, the Mets have alternated between wins and losses.

The Mets may be without the services of outfielder Jason Bay who crashed into the fence in game one trying to catch a fly ball. He may have to sit out with a possible concussion. Cincinnati on the other hand has received great hitting from Brandon Phillips. Over his last five games, Phillips has 11 hits in 22 at bats including three home runs and nine runs batted in.

The current line has the Mets as the favorites at home -115, with the Reds a road ‘dog at +105. The run total is sitting at 8. Smart money takes the Mets behind the hot pitching of Niese to end the Reds’ four game winning streak, and start a new one of their own. The total will cash out to those who take the UNDER.