Reds (65-61) vs. Diamondbacks (66-61)
Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks 8/24/2023 — Thursday night’s first game of a four-game series between the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks will take place in Phoenix. The National League Central is four games behind Cincinnati, which keeps its record four games above 0.500. They just defeated the Los Angeles Angels by a slim margin of one run. Cincinnati’s consistency in offensive play has changed during the course of the season. The Reds have recorded 1061 hits over the course of 126 games, scoring 591 runs. With 18 home runs and 67 RBIs, Spencer Steer, a star in the lineup, has made a substantial contribution. TJ Friedl, who consistently maintains a respectable average of 0.276, is the most dependable bat.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, on the other hand, are currently playing at home and are now five games over 0.500. They are also on a four-game streak after a three-run win over the Texas Rangers. Merrill Kelly will start the season’s 23rd game when he steps to the mound. Kelly put forth a terrific effort, moving his record for the season five games above 0.500 and keeping his ERA at 3.13. Over the course of his 129.1 innings of work, he has only given up 51 runs on 104 hits. Kelly has exhibited exceptional domination at home, as he has only given up 26 runs in 66 innings across 11 games.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Game Info
Time: 9:40 PM ET.
Date: Thursday, August 24, 2023
Venue: Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ
TV: FS1
Cincinnati Reds SP Brandon Williamson (4-3, ERA: 4.47) and Arizona Diamondbacks SP Merrill Kelly (10-5, ERA: 3.13)
In Phoenix on Thursday, it will be Brandon Williamson taking the mound for the D-Backs. This 25-year-old rookie left-hander has started 17 times in the 2023 season, covering 86.2 innings. His record is 4-3 with a 4.47 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and a 76/32 K/BB ratio. In the current month, Williamson has made four starts, registering a 1-1 record, a 4.43 ERA, a 3.76 FIP, and a 0.613 opposition OPS over 22.1 innings pitched. His most recent outing resulted in a 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he pitched 5.2 innings and allowed four earned runs on nine hits and a walk.
Merrill Kelly, a 34-year-old right-hander who has made 22 starts (129.1 IP) throughout the year, will take the mound for the Diamondbacks on Thursday. Kelly holds a solid record of 10-5, boasting a commendable 3.13 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and a 134/49 K/BB ratio. His recent performance in August has been notable, as he holds a 1-0 record, a 2.70 ERA, a 5.63 FIP, and a 0.808 opposition OPS across 23.1 innings pitched in his last four starts. In his most recent appearance, he secured a victory against the San Diego Padres with a 6-4 scoreline, allowing three earned runs on five hits and four walks over 5.1 innings.
Odds/Point Spread: Arizona Diamondbacks -155, Total Odds: 9
Merrill Kelly will take against the Reds for the first time this year. He has made four starts versus Cincinnati and has a 2-1 career record with a 3.00 ERA. Interestingly, the Reds’ current lineup has only produced a 3-for-18 showing against Kelly. In contrast, the current Diamondbacks lineup has struggled against Brandon Williamson, going just 2-for-13 with a double.
Over the previous ten days, with 49 plate appearances, the Diamondbacks have shown a 78 wRC+ and 173 ISO against left-handed pitchers. Contrarily, during 220 plate appearances throughout that period, Cincinnati has shown a 91 wRC+ and 187 ISO versus right-handed pitchers.
Lean to the favored the Diamondbacks, mostly because they had the day off on Wednesday, while the Reds had to play two games against the Angels. Despite the Reds’ bullpen’s remarkable 1.50 ERA and 3.57 FIP over the previous ten days, some weary arms may develop due to Wednesday’s doubleheader.
Cincinnati Reds Betting Trends
- Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games against the Diamondbacks.
- The Cincinnati Reds are 5-1 SU in their last 6 matches on the road.
- The total went OVER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 6 road games against Arizona.
- The total stayed UNDER in 8 of Cincinnati’s last 10 games against an opponent in the National League.
Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Trends
- The Arizona Diamondbacks are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home.
- The total went OVER in 4 of Arizona’s last 6 games at home against Cincinnati.
- Arizona is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games against a National League rival.
- The total stayed UNDER in 5 of Arizona’s last 6 games played on a Thursday.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Trends
Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks: The Reds are 79-48-0 against the spread this year, while the Diamondbacks are 71-56-0. The Diamondbacks are now playing much better baseball and will try to continue this pattern on Wednesday against a struggling Cincinnati team. Arizona will likely dominate both sides of the bat because they are playing at home and have a superior pitcher on the mound. On Thursday, Arizona will overcome Cincinnati at home in an effort to keep their winning streak going.
Free Pick and Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks will win 6-3.
