Cincinnati Reds vs Arizona Diamondbacks Picks and Predictions May 8th 2024

Corbin Carroll’s Comeback Sparks Diamondbacks Against Struggling Reds

After a rough start to the season, Arizona Diamondbacks’ outfielder Corbin Carroll is back in the groove, following a killer game that might just be his big comeback. The D-backs are ready to keep the energy high as they take on the Cincinnati Reds, who are seriously struggling to catch a break after racking up losses.

The Diamondbacks’ Recent Surge

Last Tuesday night, Carroll was on fire, knocking in five runs with two key hits—including his second homer of the season. This epic performance didn’t just bump up his batting average; it was crucial in nailing a 6-2 win over the Reds. The National League Rookie of the Year had kicked off the season hitting just .203, but he’s flipping the script with some solid tweaks to his swing.

“I’ve made some mechanical adjustments, like not swinging so flat and going for better attack angles and a more vertical bat angle,” Carroll explained, showing he’s ditching last year’s “swing at everything” tactic.

Pitching: A Game Changer

With Carroll stepping up, Zac Gallen pitched six shutout innings, snapping his own two-game losing streak. Next up is left-hander Jordan Montgomery. After a rough patch against the Los Angeles Dodgers where he gave up six runs, Montgomery is ready to turn things around. His solid track record against Cincinnati might just give the Diamondbacks the upper hand in Wednesday’s game.

Reds Facing Challenges

On the other side, the Cincinnati Reds are in a bit of a rut, not having led a game for a whopping 42 straight innings. Their recent record includes a six-game losing streak and their team batting average has plummeted to a major league-worst .207. Graham Ashcraft, a rare bright spot with quality starts in his last two outings, is slated to pitch Wednesday. His strong past performances against the Diamondbacks could be a ray of hope for the Reds.

“Playing with the lead is something we’ve really missed, and it’s key to easing the pressure on everyone,” noted Reds manager David Bell, underlining the importance of grabbing an early lead to boost morale and overall performance.

Looking Ahead

As the series unfolds, both teams are at a crossroads. Powered by Carroll’s resurgence and solid pitching, the Diamondbacks aim to climb higher in their division. Meanwhile, the Reds are banking on Ashcraft’s arm and a united team effort to pull out of their nosedive.

This series is more than just a clash of teams; it’s a strategic battle and a show of adjustments, proving that in baseball, one great game can totally change the season’s direction.