Brooke: Tony, before we say a single word about the Cubs, I need you to explain how a team down 9-3 in the ninth inning walks out of San Francisco with a 10-9 win. Because I'm still picking my jaw up off the floor.
Tony: Brooke, that wasn't a baseball game, that was a magic trick. Seven runs in the ninth, capped by Eugenio Suarez's grand slam. The Reds just pulled off the kind of comeback that fuels a season, even one that's been as frustrating as this one.
Brooke: And now they take that momentum to Wrigley Field for a four-game set with the Cubs. I'm Brooke, and as always, the brilliant Tony is here. This is the Beatline Podcast Network, your home for the Cincinnati Reds.
Tony: And today we're previewing the Cubs series, breaking down the pitching matchups, the bullpen questions, and who needs to step up if the Reds want to keep this unlikely spark alive.
Brooke: Three things coming up: first, the rotation and what we can expect from the starters at Wrigley. Then, the lineup and the bullpen — can the Reds actually build on this? And finally, our keys to the series and a bold prediction that might just make you scream.
Tony: Stick with us, because after what happened last night, anything feels possible.
Brooke: Alright Tony, let's start with the elephant in the room. The Reds just won a game they had no business winning. But now it's a quick turnaround — they're in Chicago tomorrow. What do we know about the pitching probables?
Tony: Well, the official probables haven't been announced yet, but based on the rotation and recent usage, we're likely looking at Andrew Abbott getting the ball in the opener. He's been the steady hand all year.
Brooke: And Abbott's been solid, but the Cubs are a different beast at Wrigley. What's the matchup look like?
Tony: The Cubs have a balanced lineup, and they're fighting for a wild card spot, so they're going to be aggressive. Abbott needs to keep the ball down and induce ground balls. He can't afford to fall behind early.
Brooke: And what about the rest of the series? Any concerns with the rotation beyond Abbott?
Tony: That's the big question. Brady Singer is listed as day-to-day after his last start, and that's a huge red flag. If he can't go, they might have to piece together a game with the bullpen, which is already stretched thin.
Brooke: Day-to-day, that's never good. And we've got some other names on the IL — Graham Ashcraft and Brandon Williamson are both on the 60-day. Who's left to fill the gaps?
Tony: They've got Nick Lodolo and Rhett Lowder, and Chase Burns is up too. But if Singer is out, they're going to need length from someone. That's a lot of pressure on a young arm in a hostile environment.
Brooke: So the rotation is a bit of a patchwork right now. But let's be real — after last night's comeback, the vibes are through the roof. Does that carry over to the mound?
Tony: It can, but it's also a double-edged sword. You don't want to get too high and then come out flat. The key is to take that confidence and channel it into executing pitches. If Abbott sets the tone early, that could be huge.
Brooke: Alright, so rotation's a question mark, but the offense is buzzing. Let's pivot to the lineup and the bullpen — that's our next segment.
Tony: And stick with us, because there's a lot to unpack there too.
Brooke: Okay, let's talk about that offense. Seven runs in the ninth inning, Suarez with the grand slam. I mean, where did that come from?
Tony: It was a complete explosion. Suarez has been the DH all year, and he delivered when it mattered most. That's the kind of veteran presence that can carry a team through a rough stretch.
Brooke: And let's not forget, we've been talking about Elly De La Cruz all week. He didn't homer last night, but he's been electric. What's the key for him against the Cubs?
Tony: Discipline. He's got the power and the speed, but if he can lay off the breaking balls out of the zone, he can change a game in one swing. The Cubs' pitchers are going to try to get him to chase.
Brooke: And what about the rest of the lineup? We've seen Bleday hit for the cycle, Friedl's been solid — who else needs to step up?
Tony: Matt McLain has been quiet lately, and they need him to get on base at the top. And Tyler Stephenson behind the plate — he's been handling the pitching staff well, but he needs to contribute offensively too.
Brooke: Now the bullpen. This has been a sore spot all season. Emilio Pagan, Sam Moll, Tony Santillan — can they hold a lead if they get one?
Tony: That's the million-dollar question. They've been inconsistent, but last night's comeback might have given them a spark. Still, you can't rely on miracle rallies every night. The bullpen has to be sharper, especially in close games.
Brooke: And injuries are piling up. We've got Spencer Steer on the 10-day IL, Michael Toglia too, and now Singer day-to-day. How much can this team absorb?
Tony: It's a lot, but it's also an opportunity for guys like Ivan Johnson and Sal Stewart to prove themselves. The depth is being tested, and if they can step up, it could be a silver lining.
Brooke: So the lineup has the potential to be dangerous, but the bullpen is a ticking time bomb. We'll see how it plays out.
Tony: Exactly. And speaking of potential, let's move to our keys to the series and a bold prediction.
Brooke: Alright, Tony, give us the keys. What does Cincinnati need to do to take this series from the Cubs?
Tony: First, they need to jump on the Cubs early. Wrigley can be a tough place to play, but if they can score first and put pressure on Chicago's starters, it changes the dynamic. Second, the bullpen has to be better — we can't have another meltdown.
Brooke: And third?
Tony: Third, they need to win the close games. The Cubs are a good team, and they're going to be in a lot of one-run games. If the Reds can execute in the late innings, they can steal this series.
Brooke: Okay, so now for the bold prediction. We've been making some calls this week — we said the Reds would sweep the Giants, and they almost did. What's your bold take for this series?
Tony: I'm going to say Elly De La Cruz hits a home run and steals two bases in the same game. He's been on fire, and Wrigley is a great place for him to shine. That's my bold call.
Brooke: I love it. And I'm going to say the Reds take three of four from the Cubs. I know that's bold, but after last night, I believe in this team.
Tony: That would be huge for their confidence, even if the playoffs are a long shot. It would give them something to build on for next year.
Brooke: Alright, that's our preview. To recap: watch the rotation, hope for bullpen stability, and keep an eye on Elly. Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show, and share it with your fellow Reds fans.
Tony: And as always, go Reds!