Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 7:15 PM ET
Venue: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Broadcast: MLB Network, Bally Sports South, Bally Sports Ohio
Matchup Overview
The Cincinnati Reds (18-18) and Atlanta Braves (17-18) meet for the third game of their four-game series at Truist Park. The Braves secured a 2-1 walk-off victory in 10 innings in Game 2, extending Cincinnati’s losing streak to four games.
Atlanta has been strong at home, boasting an 11-5 record, while Cincinnati has struggled on the road, sitting at 9-9.
Starting Pitchers
Cincinnati Reds – Hunter Greene (4-2, 2.53 ERA, 55 K)
- Last Start: 6 innings, 1 earned run vs. Washington.
- Season Stats: 2.53 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, .174 opponent batting average.
- Analysis: Greene has been dominant, ranking 16th in ERA, 2nd in WHIP, and 4th in K/9 among qualified pitchers. His ability to control Atlanta’s lineup will be key.
Atlanta Braves – Grant Holmes (2-2, 4.03 ERA, 31 K)
- Last Start: 5 innings, 2 earned runs vs. Miami.
- Season Stats: 4.03 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, .241 opponent batting average.
- Analysis: Holmes has been solid but inconsistent. He’ll need to limit Cincinnati’s power hitters to keep Atlanta in the game.
Key Players to Watch
Cincinnati Reds
- Elly De La Cruz – Leads the team with five home runs and 25 RBIs, batting .395 against Atlanta in his career.
- TJ Friedl – Batting .263 with six doubles and a home run, providing consistency.
- Matt McLain – Looking to bounce back after a costly defensive miscue in Game 2.
Atlanta Braves
- Marcell Ozuna – Delivered the walk-off hit in Game 2, continuing his clutch performances.
- Austin Riley – Has a 1.083 OPS against Cincinnati, with eight doubles and six home runs in 23 games.
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (Injured) – Out with a knee injury, leaving a gap in Atlanta’s lineup.
Game Storylines & Predictions
1. Can Cincinnati End Its Losing Streak?
The Reds have dropped four straight games, struggling to generate offense. They’ll need a strong performance from Greene to turn things around.
2. Braves’ Home Advantage
Atlanta has been dominant at home (11-5 record), using their power-hitting to control games. If Holmes delivers a quality start, they could take another win.
3. Pitching Duel – Greene vs. Holmes
Greene has been one of MLB’s best starters, while Holmes has been steady but vulnerable. If Greene dominates, Cincinnati should take Game 3.
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds 7.5
Atlanta Braves – 122
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 6, 2025
