Diamondbacks vs Reds predictions
Looking at this matchup, you can almost sense how hungry the Arizona Diamondbacks are to bounce back and avoid a sweep. They’re rolling out Zac Gallen to the bump, and if you’re a D-backs fan, that’s a good sign—he’s been consistent all season and looks poised for another solid outing. In the lineup, Corbin Carroll feels like a key piece, shaping up for a productive day; he’s got the speed and the pop to spark this Arizona offense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ketel Marte and Josh Naylor reach base early and often, setting the table and possibly driving in some crucial runs. This team has been putting up runs in bunches lately, so expect a decent push, especially with guys like Lourdes Gurriel and Eugenio Suarez lurking in the heart of the order, ready to do damage.
Now, flipping to the other dugout, it’s easy to see why the Cincinnati Reds have been such a tough out at home. Brady Singer looks ready to put together another quality start, likely keeping the D-backs’ bats in check for a good chunk of the game. The real X-factor could be Elly De La Cruz—he’s electric, always a threat to change the momentum with one swing or a dash on the base paths. Don’t discount TJ Friedl or Jake Fraley either, who seem poised to keep piling up hits and runs, especially with the way they’ve been barreling up the ball recently. And then you’ve got bats like Will Benson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, both of whom could chip in timely extra-base hits if Arizona’s pitching slips for even an inning.
So, when all is said and done, it feels like we’re in for a tight one at Great American Ball Park. The Diamondbacks have a sense of urgency and a few key matchups swinging in their favor, but the Reds’ home-field confidence and high-energy play style are hard to ignore. In the end, with Zac Gallen dealing and Arizona’s lineup itching to break out, I’m leaning toward the D-backs stealing this one and avoiding the sweep—just enough magic left in the tank to edge out Cincinnati and head home with some momentum.
