Nicole: After last night's 11-5 shellacking, the Diamondbacks are looking to avoid a series loss to the Reds. Can they salvage a split and keep pace in the wild card race? We're breaking it all down right now.
Kevin: And we've got the pitching matchup, the injury report, and a bold prediction that might surprise you. Let's get into it.
Nicole: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, I'm your host Nicole, and as always, joined by the sharpest mind in baseball, Kevin. Kevin, it's been a wild series so far.
Kevin: Absolutely, Nicole. Friday's 9-0 shutout was a thing of beauty, but Saturday's game was a complete reversal. JJ Bleday hit for the cycle, Elly De La Cruz had four hits, and the Reds just rolled.
Nicole: And that sets up a rubber match today. We're going to preview the pitching, talk about the bats, and give you our keys to the game. Stick with us.
Nicole: Alright Kevin, let's start with the pitching. The Reds roughed up the D-backs' staff last night. What's the plan for today?
Kevin: Well, we haven't seen the official probables yet, but the D-backs have a few options. Eduardo Rodriguez threw 5 2/3 strong innings on Friday, so he's out. Merrill Kelly is a likely candidate, or maybe Zack Littell.
Nicole: And what about the Reds? They've got a rotation that's been banged up, but they've got some young arms.
Kevin: Right, they've got some injuries too, but they've been getting solid production. The key will be getting ahead in counts and attacking the strike zone early.
Nicole: So if it's Merrill Kelly, what should we expect?
Kevin: Kelly's been the veteran anchor. He's going to pitch to contact, induce ground balls, and let the defense work. If he can keep the ball in the yard, the D-backs have a chance.
Nicole: And if it's Littell? He's been more of a swingman, right?
Kevin: Exactly. Littell gives you a different look, more breaking stuff. But he can be prone to walks, so the D-backs need him to be efficient.
Nicole: Either way, we need a quality start. The bullpen has been taxed, especially after last night.
Kevin: No doubt. The bullpen is a concern, and we'll get to that in a minute. But the starter needs to give them six or seven innings.
Nicole: Alright, let's talk about the bats. Jordan Lawlar had a big night on Friday, but yesterday the offense went quiet. What's the approach today?
Nicole: Speaking of the bats, what happened yesterday? The offense that scored nine on Friday only managed five runs against a struggling Reds pitching staff.
Kevin: It was a classic letdown game. They had a huge win, then came out flat. They were chasing pitches out of the zone, not working counts. Today, they need to be more disciplined.
Nicole: And they need more from the middle of the lineup. Corbin Carroll, Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Arenado — those guys have to produce.
Kevin: Absolutely. Carroll has been hot, but he can't do it alone. They need contributions from the whole lineup. And with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the IL, they need someone to step up in left field.
Nicole: Speaking of injuries, the D-backs are banged up. Ryan Thompson and Drey Jameson are on the 15-day IL, Tommy Troy and Gurriel on the 10-day, and Blake Walston on the 60-day. That's a lot of depth being tested.
Kevin: It is. And Michael Toglia is day-to-day, so they're thin. But this is where the next man up mentality comes in. Guys like Tim Tawa and Jorge Barrosa need to step up.
Nicole: And the bullpen. Kevin, that's been a weak spot. What can they do to stabilize it?
Kevin: They need to get length from the starter, and then lean on their high-leverage guys like Kevin Ginkel and Justin Martinez. But they've been overworked, so maybe they need to give some innings to a long reliever like Dennis Santana.
Nicole: So the plan is simple: starter goes deep, offense gets on base, and the bullpen holds the lead. Easier said than done, right?
Kevin: Exactly. But this team has shown resilience all year. They're 68-62, third in the NL West, and in the wild card hunt. They need to bounce back today.
Nicole: And what about the Reds' lineup? Bleday and De La Cruz are tough outs. How do you attack them?
Kevin: You've got to mix your pitches, keep them off balance. Don't give De La Cruz anything to pull, and make Bleday hit the ball on the ground. Easier said than done, but it's a plan.
Nicole: Alright, let's get to the keys to the series. Kevin, what's number one?
Kevin: Simple: get a quality start. If the starter gives you six or seven innings, you give the bullpen a chance to match up. That's the biggest key.
Nicole: And number two?
Kevin: Plate discipline. The D-backs have been swinging at too many bad pitches. If they can work the count and get into hitter's counts, they'll score runs.
Nicole: And number three? Maybe the bullpen gets a lead to protect?
Kevin: Exactly. If they get a lead, they need to slam the door. No more blown saves.
Nicole: Now, we made predictions before this series. Kevin, you called a sweep. I said they'd take two of three. After yesterday's loss, that's off the table. So what's your prediction for today?
Kevin: I'm sticking with the D-backs. I think they come out with energy, get a solid start, and win this game. Let's say 6-4.
Nicole: Bold. I'm going to say the bats wake up, and they win a close one, 5-3. Either way, they need this win to keep pace in the wild card race.
Nicole: So there you have it, D-backs fans. The series finale is today, and it's a big one. Make sure you're tuned in.
Kevin: And if you're at Chase Field, get loud. This team feeds off that energy.
Nicole: Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network. Share this episode with your fellow D-backs fans.
Nicole: As always, go D-backs! Let's get that W!