Rays vs Reds predictions
If you’re watching the Tampa Bay Rays, there are a couple of names you’ll want to follow closely in this matchup against the Cincinnati Reds. Jonathan Aranda keeps proving he’s a sneaky consistent bat, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he notches another hit or two while getting on base and driving in a run. Junior Caminero’s power has really sparked this lineup all season, and he looks poised for another game where he could go deep or at least snag a crucial extra-base hit. Yandy Diaz is always a reliable on-base guy, so pencil him in for a multi-hit day as well, keeping the top of the Rays’ order churning. And since Tampa Bay loves running wild, don’t discount Jose Caballero or Jake Mangum swiping a bag or two if they get a chance.
But if you’re more of a Cincinnati Reds fan, all eyes are on Elly De La Cruz right now—especially coming off that electric 4-hit game. He’s got all the tools to keep the pressure on Rays pitching, with a real chance of adding another hit, snagging a walk, and maybe even doing some damage on the bases, too. With TJ Friedl and Tyler Stephenson swinging hot bats lately, I’d look for one or both of them to get on board with a run scored or an RBI, while Matt McLain could chip in with an extra-base hit. On the mound, Andrew Abbott provides the kind of sturdy start Cincinnati’s been relying on, so the Rays hitters are going to need to work hard for every base runner.
Considering both team’s strengths, and the roll Cincinnati has been on at home, the Reds feel like they have the edge in this one. De La Cruz’s star power at the plate, solid arms in the rotation, and the way the offense has been manufacturing runs all season just tips the scales for me. The Rays are scrappy, always a speed threat, and should keep things competitive—but I think the Reds’ lineup and home crowd give them just enough to pull out another win in this series. What do you think—are you rolling with the home squad, or do you see the Rays pulling off a road upset?