The feel-good Reds came crashing down to reality on Tuesday, dropping a 10-5 game to the Dodgers. Los Angeles got to Hunter Greene early, racking up five runs through three innings.
Despite a disappointing showing last night, this Reds squad has been resilient all season. Still, earning a win this evening could prove difficult with Dodgers’ ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound. Do the visitors have what it takes to pull off an upset?
Los Angeles is favored (-281) over Cincinnati, with the over/under set at eight runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Reds vs. Dodgers prediction, preview
As previously mentioned, it’ll be Yamamoto toeing the slab for LA. It’s been a breakout campaign for the right-hander, currently enjoying his second season in the major leagues. Through 173.2 innings of work, he’s notched a 2.49 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 201 strikeouts. Surprisingly, the Japanese hurler has been better on the road (2.13 ERA) than at home (3.09 ERA). Regardless, Yamamoto is a scary sight for any lineup, regardless of the venue.
None of those numbers bode well for the Reds. This offense isn’t a pushover; they ended the season ranked 14th in runs per game (4.42). Still, there aren’t many bats that strike fear into opposing pitchers, other than Elly De La Cruz. Even then, the star shortstop is batting a paltry .217 over his last 30 games. Midseason acquisition Miguel Andujar is the only regular in Cincinnati’s lineup with a wRC+ above 110. When Yamamoto last faced the Reds on July 28th, he tossed seven innings of one-run ball.
If Cincy has any real shot at earning a win, it’ll take terrific pitching. Starting today’s game will be veteran Zach Littell. The 29-year-old has been up-and-down since joining the Reds in July. Through 53.1 innings with his new club, the right-hander has recorded a middling 4.39 ERA. If there’s any upside here, the former Giants pitcher has plenty of experience facing the Dodgers.
Even if Littell navigates Los Angeles’ loaded lineup, he’s unlikely to stay in this game for long. Manager Terry Francona will adopt an all hands on deck approach with his team on the verge of elimination. That means plenty of work could be in store for Cincinnati’s relievers. During the regular season, this bullpen posted a decent, albeit not great, 3.89 bullpen ERA. The key will be getting to the back end, where arms such as Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagan have dominated. Don’t be shocked if starters Nick Martinez and Nick Lodolo are utilized in middle relief.
Reds vs. Dodgers pick, best bet
Francona put his trust in Greene last night, which did not end well for the Reds. Cincinnati will go to its bullpen immediately if needed in tonight’s do-or-die contest. At the first sign of trouble, one of Martinez or Lodolo should enter this game. On the other side, Yamamoto can give the Dodgers at least six quality innings, if not more. Expect a tense, low-scoring affair in LA tonight.
