Arizona Diamondbacks (2-4) vs Cincinnati Reds (5-1)
Game Info: Friday, April 9, 2021 at 9:40 pm (Chase Field)
Taylor Widener (1-0) (0.00) vs Tyler Mahle (1-0) (3.60)
Betting Odds: Arizona Diamondbacks +102 / Cincinnati Reds -112 --- Over/Under: 9 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Cincinnati Reds face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, April 9th at Chase Field for game one of a three-game series.
The Cincinnati Reds took care of business against the Pittsburgh Pirates in their three-game series. The Reds' bats were on fire and scored 30 runs in the three-game set to earn the three-game sweep over their NL Central rivals. The Reds' pitching staff also did well against the Buckos, only allowing eight runs in the three wins also. The Reds are now off to an impressive start to the season at 5-1 and have emerged as a team to watch out for in the NL Central, just like in 2020.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, despite winning the first game of their series against the Colorado Rockies, dropped their second series of the year to another division rival. The D-Backs started the year losing three of four to the Padres on the road, and are now 2-5 after the series loss to the Rockies. The Diamondbacks are struggling at the dish, and that was the case even at Coors Field this week.
The Cincinnati Reds are projected to bring right-hander Tyler Mahle to the mound to face the Diamondbacks. Mahle did a fine job against the Cardinals in his season debut, earning the win for his team. Mahle tossed 5.0 innings of three-run ball, with only two of the runs allowed being earned. Mahle also struck out nine batters in his performance, which is quite impressive for the 26-year-old.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are projected to send right-hander Taylor Widener to the bump for game one of this series. Widener tossed 6.0 strong innings in his season debut against the Padres, not allowing a single run while striking out five batters. Widener allowed three hits and three walks in his outing and earned the victory for Arizona as well.
Here we have two teams going in opposite directions and two starting pitchers that did well in their season debut. I have to give the overall edge to the Reds, as their bullpen and starting lineup holds a clear advantage over the D-Backs even on the road here. I will take Cincy on the money line.
Ron’s Pick Cincinnati Reds -112
AUTHOR: Ron Romanelli
Follow Ron Romanelli on Twitter @RonnieRomanelli