The Reds have outscored the Giants 14-2 in the first two games of the NLDS.
The Reds have outscored the Giants 14-2 in the first two games of the NLDS. Reuters

The San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds are set to play Game Three of their 2012 MLB playoff series.

The National League Division Series matchup will get underway at the Great American Ball Park at 5:37 p.m. ET. It will air nationally on TBS. If you can’t get to a TV, you can watch a live stream online at mlb.com for $4.99. The package allows you to watch all the ALDS, NLDS and ALCS games online.

Cincinnati looks to close out their series with a sweep on their home field. They won the first two games of this series in dominant fashion. In San Francisco, they outscored the Giants 14-2.

Homer Bailey takes the mound for the Reds. He ended the regular season in dominant fashion, going 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA in September and October. The righty also threw a no-hitter during that stretch.

Ryan Vogelsong tries to help the Giants stave off elimination. He also ended the season on a high note, allowing just one earned run in his last three starts.

Neither pitcher has starter experience in the postseason. Vogelsong first entered the league in 2000, but has never pitched in a playoff game. Bailey threw two innings in the 2010 playoffs, but they came in relief.

Brandon Phillips has been the best everyday player in the series. The second baseman is hitting .500 with a home run and four RBI in 10 at-bats.

Betting Line: Cincinnati -141, San Francisco +131

Prediction: The Giants have struggled more than any team in this year’s playoffs. After hitting .143 as a team through the first two games, San Francisco is forced to face one of the hottest pitchers in baseball. The Reds finished one game behind the Nationals for the best record in the MLB, and they should be able to close the series out at home.

Predicted Score: Cincinnati 5, San Francisco 2

Major league baseball