Nicole: Nine runs. Zero answer. The Diamondbacks just hung a nine-spot on the Reds, and Jordan Lawlar is suddenly the scariest rookie in the desert. But can they finish the job today? I'm Nicole.
Kevin: And I'm Kevin. Welcome back to Beatline, D-backs fam. We're live from Chase Field, fresh off a 9-0 beatdown, and we've got a full preview of Game 2.
Nicole: Three things on the table today: the series and the pitching probables, the hitters and bullpen questions, and then our keys to the series plus a bold prediction. Let's dive in.
Nicole: Kevin, last night was a statement. Eduardo Rodriguez dealt, Lawlar went yard, and the Reds looked lost. What did you see that got you excited?
Kevin: The pitching was sharp, but the real story was the offense finally clicking. Lawlar's two-run homer and three RBIs — that's a career-high for him. He's making a case to stay in the lineup every day.
Nicole: And Rodriguez threw 5 2/3 strong innings. That's exactly what this rotation needs down the stretch. But today is a new day. Who's on the bump for the D-backs?
Kevin: We haven't seen an official announcement yet, but based on the rotation, expect Merrill Kelly to get the ball. He's been steady all year, and he's the kind of guy who can keep the Reds off balance.
Nicole: The Reds are 61-68, fifth in the NL Central. They're not exactly world-beaters, but they've got some pop. Who's their starter today?
Kevin: That's the thing — the Reds have been shuffling their rotation with injuries. We might see a bullpen game or a spot start. That's an advantage for us if we can get to their pen early.
Nicole: So you're saying the D-backs should be aggressive early, jump on their starter, and force the Reds into their bullpen?
Kevin: Exactly. Plate discipline will be key. Their arms have been inconsistent, and if we work deep counts, we can chase them by the fifth.
Nicole: Alright, so we've got the pitching angle. But there's an elephant in the room — Ketel Marte. The skipper said he felt 'betrayed' by his disappearance. What's your take?
Kevin: It's a weird situation. He's moving to the 10-day IL, but the bigger issue is the distraction. The clubhouse has to stay focused, and Lovullo is clearly frustrated. It's not ideal timing.
Nicole: And with Marte out, who steps up in the lineup? That's a big hole in the middle of the order.
Kevin: Lawlar has been hot, and we've got veteran presence with Arenado and Kepler. Plus, Gabriel Moreno behind the plate can drive in runs. The depth is there, but they need to produce consistently.
Nicole: Speaking of the lineup, we've got a lot of moving parts. Let's dig into the hitters and the bullpen questions in segment two. Stick with us.
Nicole: Alright, Kevin. We talked about Lawlar's breakout. But what about the rest of the order? Corbin Carroll hasn't been the same guy this year. Are you worried?
Kevin: A little, but he's still drawing walks and playing good defense. If he can find his power stroke, this lineup becomes scary. The launch angle has been inconsistent, but the talent is undeniable.
Nicole: And Nolan Arenado — he's been a steady presence since coming over. He's not the MVP he once was, but he's still a professional hitter.
Kevin: Absolutely. He gives you that veteran at-bat every time, and his defense at third is still elite. He's a huge reason why we're in this playoff race.
Nicole: Now let's talk bullpen. We've got some injuries — Ryan Thompson on the 15-day IL, and Drey Jameson too. How do you feel about the back end of the pen?
Kevin: It's a concern. Kevin Ginkel and Justin Martinez have been solid, but losing Thompson hurts. We need someone to step up in high-leverage spots.
Nicole: What about Brandon Pfaadt? He's been working out of the pen lately. Could he be that guy?
Kevin: Pfaadt has the stuff, but he's been stretched out as a starter. It's a different mindset coming in for one inning. But if anyone can do it, he can.
Nicole: We also saw Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the 10-day IL. That's another bat we're missing. How do we replace that production?
Kevin: It's going to be by committee. Lars Nootbaar, Max Kepler, and even Jorge Barrosa can fill in. The key is getting on base and letting the big boys drive them in.
Nicole: And let's not forget the catching situation. Gabriel Moreno has been solid, but James McCann is a great backup. How important is that position right now?
Kevin: Huge. Moreno calls a great game and handles the staff well. With the injuries, having a reliable catcher is crucial. McCann's experience gives us confidence if Moreno needs a day off.
Nicole: Alright, so we've covered the hitters and the bullpen. Now, what's the key to winning this series? Let's get into segment three.
Nicole: Kevin, we're up 1-0 in this three-game set. What's the biggest key to taking the series today?
Kevin: It's all about starting pitching. If our starter can give us six strong innings, we hand it to the bullpen with a lead. That's the formula.
Nicole: And offensively, we need to keep the pressure on. The Reds' bullpen has been shaky, so getting to them early is a must.
Kevin: Exactly. We can't let them breathe. The Reds are fighting for pride, but we're fighting for a playoff spot. We need to play with that urgency.
Nicole: Now, before we go, you made a bold prediction yesterday. You said sweep. Are you sticking with that?
Kevin: I'm sticking with it. This team is too talented to drop a game to the Reds. I see a sweep, and it starts today with a strong performance from our starter.
Nicole: I said two of three. I still think we win the series, but the Reds are due for a win. They've got too much talent to get shut out again.
Kevin: Fair enough, but I'm confident. The vibes are right, the crowd is loud, and we've got the momentum. Let's finish this.
Nicole: Alright, that's our show. Quick recap: we broke down the pitching matchup, the key hitters, and the bullpen concerns. And we've got our predictions on the table.
Kevin: Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Beatline. Share this episode with your fellow D-backs fans.
Nicole: And as always, go D-backs! Let's get that sweep.