The 2012 Ohio Cup, Round 2: Cleveland Indians vs. Cincinnati Reds

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Players to Watch: Reds

Joey Votto: If you’re looking for a reason to watch Joey Votto, then just go take a look at our most recent Wroundtable discussion. Still not convinced? Then how about the fact that Joey Votto is having a career year, two years after winning the NL MVP award. The scary thing is, he’s only getting better. So take the time and enjoy watching the best hitter in baseball over the next three days.

Brandon Phillips: The Indians traded Brandon Phillips to the Reds in exchange for Jeff Stevens. They basically gave up on him in exchange for for a player that never amounted to anything. Well, Phillips never forgot and he’s terrorized the Indians ever since. In his career Phillips’ slash line is .356/.395/.577. He’s drilled 9 home runs to go along with 30 RBI. He’s been unbelievable and it’s going to be interesting to see who the Indians would rather deal with late in the game: Votto or Phillips.

Player to Watch: Indians

Michael Brantley: Brantley’s 22-game hitting streak came to an end on Saturday night, but he picked right back up on Sunday. For about a month now he has been the Indians’ most reliable hitter game after game. Can he keep it up, though? He’s playing some of the best baseball of his career to date and is making fans forget all about his slow start as the Tribe’s lead off hitter.

Series Trivia: Last weeks series was only the second time the Reds have swept the Indians since the inception of interleague play. The Indians have swept the Reds three times.

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