When: Friday, July 23, 8:05 (ET)

Where: Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX

Who: Bud Norris (2-7, 6.09 ERA) vs. Travis Wood (0-1, 2.02 ERA)

Let us just forget about the most recent series that the Cincinnati Reds recently played agaisnt the Washington Nationals, shall we? The offense was by and large flat, the bullpen failed at times and Edinson Volquez was brought down to earth.

The Reds hope to rebound when they take on the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park as Travis Wood attempts to nab that elusive first win against Bud Norris. If the raw numbers are any indication, then the Reds should be able to grab the opening game of this series.

Unlike previous games that Wood has pitched, Cincinnati will need to provide some run support; fortunately, MMP can at times be a hitters paradise. And that’s only because of the Astros’ pitching, save for Roy Oswalt.

When the Reds are at the plate:

Cincinnati has had good results agaisnt Norris as the Astros’ starter gave up five runs in his last outing vs. the Reds. Several of the key players for Cincinnati have owned Norris; my picks to click Friday include: Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs.

When the Reds are on the mound:

This is Wood’s first rodeo aganst Houston; but to ba fair here, he has had decent results against his other opponents, so the “newbie” moniker isn’t exactly Teflon, is it? Wood needs to be mindful of Michael Bourn for obvious reasons. Bourn has this Rickey Hendersonesque way of disrupting proceedings. And while Lance Berkman isn’t having that great a year, that doesn’t preclude him from having a decent effort.

The Reds Report’s Projected Lineup:

1. Brandon Phillips
2. Orlando Cabrera
3. Joey Votto
4. Jonny Gomes
5. Jay Bruce
6. Miguel Cairo
7. Drew Stubbs
8. Ryan Hanigan
9. Travis Wood