Guardians vs Reds predictions
The Cleveland Guardians roll into Great American Ball Park with a lineup that’s got a few names ripe for a breakout. Steven Kwan is poised for another standout night—he’s been hot at the plate lately and I’d expect him to notch at least one hit and keep the strikeouts to a minimum. Kyle Manzardo, meanwhile, has shown flashes of power and plate discipline, so keep an eye out for both extra-base hits and a walk or two from the slugging first baseman. Then there’s Jose Ramirez, who’s one of those guys that just always seems to be in the middle of the action; I wouldn’t be surprised if he sparks a rally and chips in with an RBI and a swipe of second base.
Switching over to the Reds, there's a real sense of momentum building at home, and it's hard not to get excited about Elly De La Cruz. He’s been electric—a threat for a hit every at-bat, and you can almost pencil him in for a stolen base every time he reaches. Spencer Steer looks ready to contribute with a couple of knocks and an RBI, and you know Matt McLain is itching to jump into the party with his steady bat and speed on the bases. Andrew Abbott, taking the mound for Cincy, has been reliable and should be able to hold things down for five strong innings while notching a handful of strikeouts.
With the Reds looking to extend their home win streak and the Guardians hustling to keep pace in a stacked AL Central, this matchup feels like it’s tilting Cincinnati’s way. The energy in the Great American Ball Park has been palpable, and the combo of a dynamic offense with Abbott on the mound gives the Reds a slight edge. If De La Cruz gets hot early and the pitching holds, I like Cincinnati to keep the good vibes rolling and snag another home win.
