San Diego (45-37) at Cincinnati (43-40)
- When: Jun 29 2025, 1:40 PM
- Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
- Where to watch: FDSOH
Cincinnati’s Chaos Meets San Diego’s Bullpen Meltdown in Finale
Moneyline: Cincinnati (-135)
Total: 9.0
Padres Preview: San Diego’s Bubble Wrap Rotation
The San Diego Padres waddle into Cincinnati hoping to escape with the series like a tourist avoiding Skyline Chili. At 45-37, they’re in second place in the NL West, mostly because the Dodgers keep forgetting to slam the door shut.
Stephen Kolek (3-3, 3.95 ERA) gets the ball, which might be a good thing or a total mystery box. He’s been solid-ish, but with San Diego’s bullpen teetering on an emotional breakdown and Kolek’s tendency to flirt with chaos, Padres fans may want to keep a stress ball handy.
Manny Machado continues to quietly hit like he’s in a contract year again (.297 BA, 13 bombs), and Luis Arraez is still allergic to strikeouts, slicing singles like he’s carving sashimi. But when this team cools off, they ice over like a freezer left open in Fargo.
Reds Preview: De La Cruz Missile Alert
Cincinnati, meanwhile, is 43-40 and playing with the chaos energy of a squirrel on a double espresso. They’re 23-19 at home, and with Nick Lodolo (5-5, 3.63 ERA) on the mound, they’re hoping for a start that doesn’t require a bullpen rescue mission by the 4th inning.
Lodolo’s ERA says, “I’m fine,” but his WHIP (1.12) says, “You’ll still sweat through your shirt.” He’s racked up 80 Ks, which is nice unless you’re allergic to runners in scoring position.
Spencer Steer has been quietly excellent (9 HRs, 13 doubles), and Elly De La Cruz is playing like the baseball gods built him in a lab with only the “ridiculous talent” dial turned up to 11. Expect fireworks and possibly a double steal attempt that makes you question physics.
Prediction: Bat-Flipping Mayhem and Bullpen Anxiety
This one feels like a backyard brawl between two evenly matched teams, with one crucial difference: Cincinnati actually plays like they enjoy chaos. Give the edge to the Reds thanks to home cooking, loud fans, and Elly De La Cruz teleporting around the bases.
Final Score Prediction: Reds 6, Padres 4
Bets Bet: Cincinnati RL -1.5 (+145)
Total: Over 9.0 (-118)
Bring the popcorn. And maybe a defibrillator.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
