Cincinnati (19-19) at Atlanta (17-19)
- When: May 8 2025, 7:15 PM
- Where: Truist Park, Truist Park
- Where to watch: MLB Network
Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds Game Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Atlanta Braves (-202)
Total: 8.0
The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are set to clash in the series finale of their four-game set on Thursday. Atlanta holds the edge in the series after winning the first two games, but the Reds broke their four-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory on Wednesday. The Braves remain significant favorites as they look to close out the homestand with another win.
Atlanta Braves Overview
The Braves will send Spencer Schwellenbach to the mound, who has had a rollercoaster season so far. After a blazing start where he allowed just one run over 20 innings, his recent outings have been less impressive. In his last four starts, Schwellenbach has been roughed up for 19 runs (17 earned) over 21 1/3 innings, including a rough showing against the Dodgers where he gave up six runs in just 3 2/3 innings.
Manager Brian Snitker expressed confidence in Schwellenbach, attributing his struggles to the learning curve of a young pitcher adapting to the majors. “He’s learning what it’s all about and how to make adjustments,” Snitker said. Schwellenbach’s only previous start against the Reds was a strong one, where he went six innings, allowing just one run while striking out five. Atlanta will hope he can replicate that success as they aim to bounce back and secure the series.
Offensively, Austin Riley continues to be a force, extending his hitting streak to six games with a single on Wednesday. If the Braves can support Schwellenbach with some early runs, they have a strong chance to take control of this matchup.
Cincinnati Reds Overview
The Reds counter with Nick Lodolo, who is also coming off a shaky outing. Lodolo got tagged for seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings during an 11-6 loss to the Nationals. It was his first time all season giving up more than four runs in a game. Despite the rough outing, Terry Francona expressed optimism, noting that Lodolo’s stuff looked sharp but his command wasn’t quite there.
Lodolo has yet to face the Braves in his career, making this an intriguing test for the young left-hander. Cincinnati’s offense came alive in Game 3 of the series with TJ Friedl belting two home runs, marking the Reds’ first long balls of the series. Friedl’s power surge is a promising sign for a team that has struggled to find consistency on the road.
The Reds will be without Noelvi Marte, who landed on the injured list with a Grade 2 oblique strain. Rece Hinds was called up from Triple-A to fill the roster spot but went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in his first major league action of the year.
Prediction and Final Score
Atlanta’s offensive depth and the edge in starting pitching give them the upper hand in this series finale. Schwellenbach’s struggles have been real, but he has a history of bouncing back, especially against familiar opponents like Cincinnati. Meanwhile, Lodolo’s command issues against a disciplined Braves lineup could spell trouble early.
Final Score Prediction: Braves 5, Reds 2
Lean: Atlanta RL -1.5 (+110)
Total: Under 8.0 (-115)
Expect Atlanta to win and cover the runline, with the game potentially staying under the 8.0 total as both pitchers look to rebound from recent struggles.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
