Reds Look to Rebound as Diamondbacks Glide into Great American Ball Park

The Cincinnati Reds are looking to turn the page — and the tide — as they open a three-game home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday night.

After getting steamrolled by the Brewers in a 9-1 series finale earlier this week, the Big Red Machine needs a tune-up. Lefty Nick Lodolo will take the mound for Cincinnati, aiming to build on his 4-4 record and 3.10 ERA. The Reds enter the series at 30-33 and sit fourth in the National League Central.

Injuries continue to test Cincinnati’s depth, with Hunter Greene, Jeimer Candelario, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand all on the injured list. But Elly De La Cruz has continued to be a spark plug, and Tyler Stephenson is swinging a hot bat with four home runs and nine RBIs over his last ten games.

Arizona, meanwhile, rolls in with a 31-31 record and power up and down the lineup. Corbin Carroll has already gone yard 18 times this season, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has been a steady force in the heart of the order.

The Reds are just 15-16 at home but boast a strong 24-4 record when they out-hit their opponents. If the bats can get rolling early and Lodolo can paint the corners, Cincinnati has a golden opportunity to flip the script and climb back into the playoff chase.

First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. at Great American Ball Park. Expect fireworks — and not just from the postgame show.