The Miami Marlins head to Cincinnati for a Saturday evening showdown at Great American Ball Park, with first pitch set for 6:40 PM ET on August 15. Ryan Gusto takes the mound for Miami against Reds right-hander Brady Singer in what shapes up as a pitching-focused contest. With the Marlins on the road and no lineup card released on the Miami side, the focus turns to how Gusto handles a Cincinnati lineup that features some legitimate offensive threats from top to bottom.

Pitching Matchup: Ryan Gusto vs. Brady Singer

Gusto gets the ball for Miami in what is a significant opportunity to build on whatever momentum he has carried into this point of the season. The Marlins will need him to work deep into the game and keep the Reds' offense in check, particularly at the top of the order where Elly De La Cruz presents a unique challenge. De La Cruz, leading off at shortstop for Cincinnati, is the kind of player who can change a game in a single at-bat — whether he's putting the ball in play or threatening to run on the bases. Gusto's ability to limit free passes and keep the ball in the yard at Great American Ball Park will be critical.

Brady Singer returns to the mound for Cincinnati and figures to give the Marlins' offense a tough afternoon. Singer has the stuff to keep lineups off-balance, and Miami's hitters will need to be disciplined and work counts to give themselves a chance to do damage.

Cincinnati Lineup to Watch

The Reds are sending out a balanced lineup that has real danger throughout. A few names worth tracking closely:

• Elly De La Cruz (SS, leadoff) — The most dynamic player in the lineup. His speed and power combination puts pressure on pitchers from the first pitch of the game.
• JJ Bleday (LF, No. 3) — Hitting in the heart of the order, Bleday gives Cincinnati a patient left-handed bat that can do damage in the middle of the frame.
• Tyler Stephenson (C, cleanup) — A legitimate run-producer behind the dish. Gusto cannot let the lineup turn over with runners on and Stephenson coming up.
• Noelvi Marte (RF, No. 7) — A player with plenty of upside who can punish a mistake pitch even deep in the order.
• Ke'Bryan Hayes (3B, No. 8) — A reliable contact hitter who makes it difficult to find easy outs in the bottom third.

Keys to the Game for Miami

• Gusto must limit walks and keep the ball on the ground to avoid big innings in a hitter-friendly park.
• Miami's offense, lineup still to be confirmed, will need to work Singer's pitch count and look for opportunities in the middle innings when bullpens come into play.
• The Marlins' defense on the road needs to be clean — extra bases and errors against a lineup with De La Cruz's speed can spiral quickly.

Prediction

This one figures to be a low-scoring affair if both starters are on. Singer gives the Reds an edge at home, but Gusto has a real chance to keep Miami in the game long enough for the offense to find an opening. Call it a close contest with the Marlins scratching out a 4-3 road win if Gusto can navigate the top of Cincinnati's lineup and limit the damage De La Cruz can create. It won't be easy, but road wins in August matter — and the Marlins need to show they can get them.

Catch the action on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, or listen on WQAM 104.3 FM. Spanish-language coverage is available on WAQI 710 AM.