Arizona Diamondbacks vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions May 15th 2024

Cincinnati Reds on the Hunt for a Win Streak

Hey, sports fans! The Cincinnati Reds are seriously gunning for a win streak as they prep for the big finale of their three-game clash with the Arizona Diamondbacks this Wednesday in Phoenix. The Reds have been on a bit of a roller coaster lately, with their fair share of ups and downs, including two heartbreaker walk-off losses. But they pulled off a solid 6-2 win on Tuesday, marking just their second win in the last unlucky 13 games. Finally, something to cheer about in what’s been a pretty tough season!

Game Changers and Key Moments

In Tuesday’s game, outfielder Will Benson really stepped up, smashing a game-changing two-run homer that broke the tie and pushed the Reds towards victory. And let’s not overlook right-hander Hunter Greene, who killed it on the mound with a stellar seven innings, letting just two runs slip by. His top-notch performance was key in snagging that elusive win over the Diamondbacks for the first time this season after five attempts.

Diamondbacks’ Star Player: Kevin Newman

Switching sides, Kevin Newman has been the guy to watch for Arizona, especially with 2023 All-Star shortstop Geraldo Perdomo sidelined with a knee injury. Newman has been on fire, rocking a 10-for-14 streak at the bat and really giving the Diamondbacks’ lineup a much-needed boost.

Pitcher Showdown: Abbott vs. Pfaadt

Looking ahead to the series finale, we’re gearing up for a showdown between two promising young pitchers. Cincinnati’s Andrew Abbott is set to ride the wave of a recent win against the San Francisco Giants, with a strong record of keeping his earned runs to two or fewer in most starts this season. On the flip side, Arizona’s Brandon Pfaadt, despite a tough game against the Baltimore Orioles, has shown some solid skills with a good strikeout-to-walk ratio.

A Fresh Face from West Point

Adding an interesting twist to the Reds’ lineup, Jacob Hurtubise, fresh from West Point, made his major league debut in left field on Tuesday. Following in the footsteps of Chris Rowley, another Army alum, Hurtubise is pumped to represent his alma mater both on and off the field.

What’s Next?

As the Reds face off against the Diamondbacks in this Wednesday’s game, they’re not just looking for back-to-back wins (something they haven’t pulled off since late April); they’re also hoping to build some momentum as they move through the season. This game is a perfect chance for both teams to show off their up-and-coming talent and tweak their strategies as they keep grinding through the MLB schedule.