When: 7:05 p.m. today, 1:15 p.m. Saturday and 1:15 p.m. Sunday.

Records: Reds (1-2), Dodgers (0-2).

At the plate

The Dodgers aren't a good sight for the beleaguered Reds' pitching staff. They boast one of baseball's most potent lineups, and one of its best all-around hitters in Mike Piazza (.362, 40 HR, 124 RBI in 1997), a perennial MVP and Triple Crown candidate. Piazza's supporting cast isn't bad either: right fielder Raul Mondesi (.310, 30 HR, 87 RBI) and third baseman Todd Zeile (.268, 31 HR, 90 RBI). The Reds do get one break: first baseman Eric Karros (.266, 31, 104) is out with a knee injury, but in steps minor league star Paul Konerko (.323, 27, 127 in Triple-A).

On the mound

Friday: RH David Weathers (1-3, 8.42 in 1997) vs. RH Hideo Nomo (14-12, 4.25)

Saturday: RH Brett Tomko (11-7, 3.43) vs. RH Ismael Valdes (10-11, 2.65)

Sunday: LH Mike Remlinger (0-1, 1.80 in 1998) vs. RH Ramon Martinez (0-1, 7.71)

Outlook

The Reds' offense has been inconsistent so far in this young season, scoring two runs on Opening Day and nine the next. The pitching, though, surrendered 10 runs and 10 hits in each of the first two games, and the bullpen has been particularly bad.

It doesn't get any easier against the Dodgers, who have the pitching and the hitting to win not only the National League West, but the World Series. If they don't win soon, they'll be known as one of the biggest underachievers of the '90s.

L.A.'s starting pitching is second in league only to Atlanta. The Reds have to face Nomo, one of last year's league ERA leaders in Valdes and the Dodgers' long-time ace in Martinez.

Game story
Casey out 3-6 weeks
Williams called up
Notebook: Jordan slashes ERA
Box, runs
Reds page