Brooke: Elly De La Cruz is one hit away from joining an elite club that has existed for less than a decade. A thirty-homer, thirty-steal season. It’s happening. Tonight on the Beatline Podcast Network, we’re breaking down if the Cincinnati Reds can actually pull off the upset against the Atlanta Braves in this series finale.
Tony: It’s a massive stage. The Braves are sitting pretty at ninety-two wins, but the Reds have shown they can hang. We’re looking at the pitching matchup, the injury report that’s still cluttered, and whether Brandon Williamson can keep his momentum going after that shutout win yesterday.
Brooke: Welcome to the daily show! I’m Brooke. And I’m Tony. We are your hosts here at the Beatline Podcast Network, America's number one daily sports podcast network. Today is September twenty-fourth, two thousand twenty-six.
Tony: That’s right. We’ve got a preview of tonight’s game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves. It’s the final chapter of this three-game set at Truist Park.
Brooke: Here is what we are diving into today. First, we’ll look at the pitching probables and how the Reds’ rotation matches up with Atlanta’s lineup. Second, we’ll talk about Elly De La Cruz’s historic chase, the bullpen strain, and the lingering injuries. And third, we’ll give you our keys to victory and a bold prediction for tonight’s outcome.
Tony: We’ve been tracking this series closely. After yesterday’s four-nil shutout, the mood in Cincinnati is electric, but we know the Braves are dangerous. Let’s get into it.
Brooke: Stick with us, because if Elly gets that hit, history is made. But first, let’s talk about who’s on the mound tonight.
Brooke: Alright Tony, let’s start with the pitching. The Reds came out swinging yesterday, blanking the Braves four to nothing. Brandon Williamson was sharp for six innings. Who do you see starting tonight?
Tony: Based on the rotation management and the fact that they need to save arms for the stretch run, I expect Brandon Williamson to get the ball again, or perhaps a relief appearance if he’s managed carefully. But realistically, looking at the roster, Andrew Abbott or Nick Lodolo might be the starters if they’re working back-to-back. However, given the shock value of yesterday, I think they lean on the success.
Brooke: Wait, did the brief mention Williamson starting? It listed him as SP. But Chris Sale just threw a complete game shutout type performance last night for Atlanta.
Tony: Exactly. Chris Sale is the elephant in the room. He struck out ten guys last night, reaching two hundred strikeouts for the season. That’s elite stuff. If the Braves start Sale, or even if they go with a reliever to set him up later, the Reds have to be disciplined at the plate.
Brooke: So, if Sale is on the mound, or even if it’s Bryce Elder—who is currently on the fifteen-day IL—wait, Elder is out. So maybe it’s someone else. What’s the Reds' likely starter?
Tony: With Tony Santillan, Chase Burns, and Julian Garcia all on the IL, the Reds’ rotation is thinned. I’d bet on Rhett Lowder or Carson Spiers getting a spot start, OR they ride the hot hand with Brandon Williamson. Given Williamson threw six sharp innings yesterday, resting him might be too much of a risk if they want to close out the series strong.
Brooke: Right. And on the Braves side, with Joe Jimenez on the sixty-day IL, Reynaldo Lopez on the fifteen-day IL, and Lane Thomas on the ten-day IL, their depth is tested. But Chris Sale is healthy and dominant.
Tony: Sale is an ace. Two hundred strikeouts is no joke. The Reds’ ability to handle high-velocity stuff will be the key. If they can’t make contact, they’re going to get blown out like we predicted earlier in the week.
Brooke: We did predict losses earlier! Remember, Tony, you had them shut out. I had them losing three-one. Yesterday proved both of us wrong when they won four-nil. So the narrative has shifted.
Tony: I stand by my analysis based on the data available then. But baseball is volatile. Yesterday was a statement win. Tonight, the Braves will adjust. They won’t make the same mistakes twice.
Brooke: Fair point. So, the pitching matchup hinges on whether the Reds can exploit any gaps in the Braves’ depleted bullpen or if Chris Sale dominates again. Let’s move to the hitters.
Brooke: Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, or rather, the man on the basepaths. Elly De La Cruz. He’s closing in on thirty homers and thirty steals. What does he need to do tonight?
Tony: He needs plate discipline. Against Chris Sale or a high-leverage reliever, Elly can’t chase sliders low and away. His launch angle has been fantastic, but consistency is key. If he makes contact, he’s a threat to score from anywhere.
Brooke: And we talked about this yesterday—his speed. Even if he doesn’t hit a home run, if he gets on base, he’s a problem. Did he get a hit last night?
Tony: The headlines didn’t specify his individual stats for the four-nil win, but he was central to the offense. Mauricio Dubón delivered the winning RBI single in the tenth for the Braves last night, so the Reds’ offense went quiet in the extra frames. Elly needs to stay active.
Brooke: Dubón with the walk-off? Ouch. That hurts. But the Reds bounced back yesterday. Who else is hitting well for Cincinnati?
Tony: Sal Stewart at first base has been solid. And Matt McLain at second. With Spencer Steer on the sixty-day IL, the middle of the order has shifted. Eugenio Suarez provides power, but the gap left by Steer is significant.
Brooke: The injury list is brutal. Spencer Steer, Michael Toglia, Chase Burns, Tony Santillan... that’s a lot of impact players out. How does that affect the lineup construction tonight?
Tony: They’re using Will Banfield and Tyler Stephenson behind the plate. Jose Trevino is there too, which helps with defense. In the outfield, JJ Bleday, Carlos Jorge, and Dane Myers are sharing time. Hector Rodriguez in right. It’s a committee approach now. No clear everyday stars except Elly.
Brooke: Carlos Jorge and Dane Myers in center? That’s a bit unproven. Does that worry you defensively against the Braves’ speed?
Tony: It does. The Braves have speed. With Ronald Acuna Jr. day-to-day, they might rest him or use Lane Thomas if he’s cleared, but Thomas is on the ten-day IL. Still, the Braves have depth. The Reds’ outfield defense needs to be crisp.
Brooke: And the bullpen. Tejay Antone, Graham Ashcraft, Brock Burke, Pierce Johnson, Zach McCambley, Luis Mey, Emilio Pagan, Connor Phillips. That’s a long armchair list. Are they fresh?
Tony: Yesterday used some of those arms. If they went deep into extra innings, the bullpen might be fatigued. Using multiple relievers in a nine-inning game is standard, but if they need five or six guys, fatigue sets in. That’s where platoon splits matter. Who is facing whom?
Brooke: If the Braves load the bases, can the Reds trust Graham Ashcraft or Brock Burke to escape the jam?
Tony: Ashcraft has been decent, but Burry is the question mark. The Reds’ bullpen usage has been strained all year. They’re trying to win games they shouldn’t be winning yet. It’s admirable, but risky.
Brooke: It really is. And with the team sitting at seventy-three wins and eighty-five losses, fifth in the NL Central, every game feels like a playoff game for pride. But also, these young arms need experience. This is their education.
Tony: Education through adversity. Exactly. And Elly is leading the charge. If he gets that thirty-thirty milestone, it changes the entire narrative for the franchise’s future.
Brooke: Before we get to our predictions, I want to take a quick moment. If you’ve enjoyed our deep dive into the Reds’ gritty season, our honest takes on the injuries, and our analysis of Elly’s historic chase, please consider supporting the show. Your contributions help keep the Beatline Podcast Network free and daily for all fans. Just check the link in the episode description. Thank you for being part of this community.
Brooke: Thanks for listening, everyone. Now, let’s wrap it up. Keys to the series. What do the Reds need to do to win tonight?
Tony: Number one: Contact quality. Don’t just swing; hit the ball hard. Number two: Base running pressure. Make the Braves’ infield nervous. Number three: Bullpen management. Don’t burn out your best arms in the seventh inning if you don’t have to.
Brooke: And for the Braves?
Tony: Control the strike zone. Force the Reds to chase. If they can limit Elly De La Cruz’s opportunities, they win. Simple as that.
Brooke: Bold prediction time. I’m going to say Elly De La Cruz gets a double tonight. It keeps him close to the stolen base record and puts him in scoring position.
Tony: I’m sticking with the Braves. They’re too good at home. I predict a five-two loss for the Reds. Elly hits a solo homer, but the Braves’ depth overwhelms the Reds’ tired bullpen in the eighth.
Brooke: A five-two loss? You’re not giving them any love! But hey, it’s baseball. Anything can happen. Maybe the Reds surprise us again.
Tony: I’m a realist, Brooke. The Braves are ninety-two-win team. The Reds are fighting for dignity. There’s a difference.
Brooke: Well, regardless of the score, Elly De La Cruz is making history. We’ll be here to cover it. Thanks for tuning in to the Beatline Podcast Network. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a fellow Reds fan!
Tony: Great work, Brooke. Keep cheering loud, even when the odds are stacked. Go Reds.
Brooke: From all of us here, thanks for listening. We’ll see you tomorrow for another daily dose of baseball. Go Reds!