The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Cincinnati Reds meet in game two of their weekend MLB series from Great American Ballpark on Saturday. The Reds won a thriller in game one, can they take a 2-0 series lead? Let’s dive in and find out.
Arizona Diamondbacks Team Preview
The Arizona Diamondbacks were one of baseball’s nicest surprises in the first half of the season, leading the NL West for much of the first half of the year, but the Snakes have come out a bit slow in the second half, losing 5 of their first 7 games out of the break following their 9-6 loss to the Reds on Friday in the series opener. Christian Walker leads the Diamondbacks with 20 home runs and 63 RBIs while Ketel Marte has a team-high 101 hits and a .286 batting average. Corbin Carroll also has a team-high 19 home runs and is likely the front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year. The Diamondbacks did not have a starting pitcher announced at the time that this article was posted.
Cincinnati Reds Team Preview
The Cincinnati Reds were a nice first half surprise as well that came out flat in the second half, but have since rattled off three straight wins after their triumph over the Diamondbacks in Friday’s series opener. Jonathan India has a team-high 96 hits and shares the team lead in home runs with Spencer Steer as both India and Steer have 14 round-trippers this season, with Steer boasting a .271 batting average. Jake Fraley also has 13 HR with a team-high 56 RBIs as well this season for Cincinnati. Brandon Williamson is expected to get the start for the Reds in this one and is 1-2 with a 5.21 ERA and 38 strikeouts this season.
Cincinnati Reds Team Facts
- The Reds have lost seven of their last eight day games against the Diamondbacks following a win.
- The Reds have covered the run line seven of their last eight day games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Reds have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last five Saturday games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
- The Reds have led after 5 innings in each of their last four games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Reds’ last six day games at Great American Ball Park.
Arizona Diamondbacks Team Facts
- The Diamondbacks have won eight of their last nine day games against the Reds following a loss.
- The Diamondbacks have covered the run line each of their last six day games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
- The Diamondbacks have led after 7 innings in each of their last four day games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Cincinnati Reds ranks T1st in the league for steals this season (115).
- The Cincinnati Reds ranks T3rd in the league for triples this season (19).
- The Arizona Diamondbacks ranks 2nd in the league for triples this season (20).
- The Arizona Diamondbacks ranks T3rd in the league for doubles this season (185).
- Chris’ Pick
I’m sticking with the Reds in this game. I think the Diamondbacks will definitely be a team to watch in the second half and will surely be a team that’s going to be competitive with respect to the NL West and NL Wild Card spots, but they just don’t have it clicking right now and the few options on the mound I’d be comfortable with for Arizona, guys like Zac Gallen (who would be on short rest) and Merrill Kelly (Who is still out with injury) are unavailable for this one. Brandon Williamson’s been playing with fire here and there and the Reds offense won’t always be able to pick him up, but the Reds have figured it out and look to have gotten back on track and I think the Reds grab the win here.
