Preview: Indians Look for Sweep of Reds in Finale of Annual 'Ohio Cup' Tonight

The Cleveland Indians (68-51, 31-28 Away) are looking to sweep the Cincinnati Reds (52-68, 28-34 Home) and win the battle of Ohio after an 8-1 win and solid pitching performance from Corey Kluber.

The Tribe have won the past nine of 11 games, even with the injury bug continuing to plaque them. The additions of Trevor Bauer and Leonys Martin to the disabled list is alarming but hasn’t seemed to slow them down as of yet.

Here's a look at tonight's game with a quick preview.

Time: 7:10 p.m.

Starting Pitchers: Shane Bieber (6-2, 4.24 ERA) vs. Robert Stephenson (0-1, 6.75 ERA)

TV: SportsTime Ohio

Online: MLB.TV

Radio: WTAM 1100am, Indians Radio Network

1. Bieber Back on the Bump

Rookie RHP Shane Bieber (6-2, 4.24 ERA) will try to continue the momentum as he faces the Reds for the first time in his career.

Bieber is coming off a no decision against the White Sox, which the Tribe ended up losing 1-0 but he had one of his best outings of the season.

Bieber went 6.2 innings allowing three hits, two walks and striking out eight batters. He has proven to be consistent and able to bounce back from bad outings, which should give fans hope while Bauer is recovering.

2. Lowdown on Reds Starter Robert Stephenson

The Reds will turn to RHP Robert Stephenson (0-1, 6.75 ERA) to slow down the red hot Indians offense that is averaging 9.2 runs this season against them. This includes a dominate 19-4 win July 11th. Stephenson is making his 22nd major league start but second of this season and has a career 5.16 ERA.

He will need to be at his best if he is going to slow down American League MVP candidate, Jose Ramirez who comes into tonight’s game having homered in three consecutive games.

3. Red-Hot JRam

As mentioned in the last section, Jose Ramirez is on fire, hitting homers in the last three games.

He's been sensational this season. The All-Star third baseman is batting .305 with 36 home runs, 89 RBI, 27 steals, 79 walks and 31 doubles. He’s been so good that Indians leadoff man and fellow All-Star, Francisco Lindor, has taken a backseat to him.

The Tribe will look to extend their division lead which stands at 12.5 games. All other division leaders combined have a 16 game lead over second place in their respective divisions.