Overview
The Cincinnati Reds face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the final game of their three-game series on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 4:10 PM EDT at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks lead the series 1-0 after a 6-5 win in 11 innings on Friday, with Saturday’s game still pending. The Reds swept a three-game series against the Diamondbacks earlier this season (4-3, 13-1, 4-2). This NL matchup is critical for the Reds to salvage a win in their wild card chase and for the Diamondbacks to secure a series victory at home. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now
Team Analysis
Cincinnati Reds
- 2025 Record (as of August 23): 67-62, 3rd in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Reds are 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.7 runs/game with a .256 batting average and a 2.61 ERA. Elly De La Cruz’s 19 HRs and 77 RBI lead the offense, but injuries to Tyler Stephenson (thumb), Nick Lodolo (finger), and Chase Burns (elbow) challenge their depth.
- Strengths: Strong bullpen (2.48 ERA in last 10 games) and a .793 OPS against right-handed pitchers over the last 10 days.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent offense on the road (31-33 record) and a 1-4 record in their last 5 games as favorites against NL West teams.
- Player to Watch: Elly De La Cruz (SS) – His .276 BA, 19 HRs, 77 RBI, and 31 stolen bases make him a dynamic power-speed threat.
Arizona Diamondbacks
- 2025 Record (as of August 23): 63-66, 3rd in NL West
- Performance Overview: The Diamondbacks are 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.8 runs/game with a .249 batting average and a 4.20 ERA. Ketel Marte’s .298 BA and Corbin Carroll’s 27 HRs drive the offense, but injuries to Gabriel Moreno (hand), Kevin Ginkel (shoulder), and Corbin Burnes (elbow) weaken their roster.
- Strengths: Strong home record (33-31) and a .731 OPS against right-handed pitchers in the last 10 games.
- Weaknesses: Poor bullpen (4th-worst ERA in MLB at 4.83) and a 5-3 over/under record in their last 8 games.
- Player to Watch: Ketel Marte (2B) – His .298 BA, 23 HRs, and .941 OPS make him a consistent offensive force, especially at home.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Reds lead the 2025 season series 3-1, sweeping the Diamondbacks in Cincinnati in June (4-3, 13-1, 4-2). However, the Diamondbacks won Friday’s opener 6-5 in 11 innings, with Ketel Marte’s RBI single and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s walk-off hit.
- Recent Encounter: On August 22, the Diamondbacks won 6-5, overcoming a 4-2 deficit with late heroics from Marte and Gurriel Jr.
- Key Insight: The Reds have dominated the season series with their offense, but the Diamondbacks’ home-field advantage and clutch hitting could make this game competitive.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reds | Brady Singer (RHP) | 11-9 | 4.18 | 131.1 | 129 | 1.30 |
| Diamondbacks | Zac Gallen (RHP) | 9-13 | 5.28 | 150.0 | 137 | 1.33 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Brady Singer (Reds)
- Strengths: Hot streak with a 1.86 ERA and 2.87 FIP over his last 5 starts (4-1, 29 IP), including a 2.00 ERA in 3 career starts vs. Arizona. His sinker-slider mix limits hard contact.
- Negatives: Struggles on the road (4.50 ERA) and faces a Diamondbacks lineup hitting .249 with a .420 SLG in their last 10 games.
- Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks)
- Strengths: Decent August form (2-1, 3.52 ERA in 4 starts, 23 IP) and a 3.48 ERA in 5 career starts vs. the Reds. His curveball-fastball combo can challenge Cincinnati’s aggressive hitters.
- Negatives: Inconsistent season (5.28 ERA) and allowed 4 ER in 6.2 IP vs. the Reds in June. The Reds’ .793 OPS against righties could exploit his struggles.
Key Players to Monitor
- Cincinnati Reds:
- Arizona Diamondbacks:
Recent Performance
- Cincinnati Reds: At 67-62, the Reds are 5-5 in their last 10, scoring 47 runs while allowing 36, with their bullpen excelling but offense inconsistent on the road.
- Arizona Diamondbacks: At 63-66, the Diamondbacks are 6-4 in their last 10, scoring 48 runs and allowing 43, with their offense thriving at home.
Critical Factors
- Venue: Chase Field’s hitter-friendly dimensions (6th in Statcast Park Factors) favor both teams’ power bats, especially De La Cruz and Carroll.
- Weather: Forecasted at 102°F with clear skies, but Chase Field’s retractable roof ensures consistent conditions, likely boosting offense.
- Momentum: The Diamondbacks’ Friday walk-off and 3-game home win streak contrast with the Reds’ 3-1 season series lead but 4-6 road form in their last 10.
- Betting Odds: Diamondbacks favored at -125, with over/under at 8.5, reflecting Arizona’s home edge and offensive potential.
Prediction
The Cincinnati Reds hold a slight edge in this matchup, driven by Brady Singer’s recent dominance (1.86 ERA in last 5 starts) and their strong bullpen (2.48 ERA in last 10 games), despite Zac Gallen’s home-field advantage. The Diamondbacks’ power bats, led by Marte and Carroll, could exploit Singer’s road struggles, but the Reds’ offense, sparked by De La Cruz and Andujar, should capitalize on Gallen’s 5.28 ERA. Cincinnati’s bullpen will likely secure a close win to avoid a series loss.
Final Prediction: Cincinnati Reds win, 5-4. De La Cruz drives in a key run, and Singer pitches six quality innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Cincinnati Reds (+105) – Singer’s form and the Reds’ season series dominance make them a value pick.
- Under 8.5 Runs (+100) – Singer’s recent control and the Reds’ bullpen strength suggest a lower-scoring game despite Chase Field’s hitter-friendly setup.
- Elly De La Cruz to Record an RBI (+130) – His 77 RBI and .276 BA offer strong value against Gallen’s struggles.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 23, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on ARID or FDSOH.
