La Dodgers Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions May 17th 2024

Allie De La Cruz is looking for a hit in the Reds-Dodgers matchup

Elly De La Cruz stole the show in Los Angeles, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-2 victory over the Dodgers. De La Cruz will be looking to take his dynamic form as the Reds prepare for the second game of their four-match series on Friday.

Elly De La Cruz’s Performance

Standout game

In the series opener, De La Cruz gave a performance. He had four stolen bases, a personal best with four hits, and three runs scored, playing a key role in the Reds’ victory. “This is my town,” De La Cruz joked on his Bally Sports Cincinnati radio show. His ties to Los Angeles run deep, where he led the league last season going 4-for-11 with a home run and two RBIs in his first three games.

“The first time I came to the United States was in Los Angeles,” De La Cruz said. “Besides, I played GTA (Grand Theft Auto) when I was young, and I fell in love with this city. When I was young, I was often told that I was born in Los Angeles. This is my city.”

Background of the group and recent activities

Red’s road trip

The Reds are currently 3-4 on the road in 10 games, and they will look to score by sending righty catcher Frankie Montas to the mound. Despite the recent struggles, Montas is hoping to move forward and help the Reds maintain their momentum.

Pitching Matchup Preview

Frankie Montas VS James Paxton

Frankie Montas (2-3, 4.20 ERA) starts for the Reds. He’s had a rough patch of late, going 0-3 with a 6.38 ERA in his last five starts, and this is his third start since returning from a right arm injury. Montas has hit the Dodgers twice in his career and is 0-2 with a 16.20 ERA. James Paxton (5-0, 2.58 ERA) will be on the mound for the Dodgers. Paxton held the San Diego Padres scoreless for six innings in his last start and has consistently allowed just over two runs in seven starts this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Paxton, saying, “He walked a ton of batters and was able to limit the damage.

Recent Dodgers action

Challenges and critical moments

The Dodgers’ streak of allowing four runs or less ended in their last game. They avoided Gavin Lux’s shutout single in the ninth. Even though Shohei Ohtani is 0-for-2 with a hit and a stolen base, the Dodgers have struggled badly, allowing two runs or less in their losses.

Conclusion

As the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for Game 2 of their series, all eyes will be on Eli De La Cruz to see if he can continue his stellar form. This promises to be an exciting match and exciting battles between the two sides, with both sides looking to take advantage.