Cincinnati Reds vs. San Francisco Giants: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 11, 2024

Published on:
May 11, 2024 7:45 AM
The Cincinnati Reds, leading the series 1-0, look to build on their momentum as they face the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:15 PM. The Giants, still seeking their rhythm with a 17-23 overall record, will aim to turn things around on their home turf, where they hold a 9-8 record. Can the Reds capitalize on their 8-8 road record to take a commanding lead in the series?
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Cincinnati Reds
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Reds vs Giants starting pitchers

In the upcoming matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants, the Reds are sending Nick Lodolo to the mound, bringing a solid season performance with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 0.93, backed by 37 strikeouts over 29 innings. This indicates a strong ability to control the game and minimize scoring opportunities for opponents. On the other side, the Giants will counter with Mason Black, who has struggled this season, reflected in his ERA of 10.38 and a WHIP of 2.54 over just over four innings pitched. Black will need to significantly sharpen his command to keep up with Lodolo's level of play, making for an intriguing pitching duel where experience and current form will play critical roles.

Reds vs Giants game preview

The Cincinnati Reds, with their dynamic base-stealing prowess, leading the league with 66 stolen bases, pose a significant threat in terms of aggressive base running in their upcoming game against the San Francisco Giants. Leading this charge is Elly De La Cruz, a standout performer with a team-high batting average of .271 and 8 home runs. Despite their speed on the bases, the Reds struggle with their overall offensive output, evidenced by their dismal 30th rank in both total hits and batting average (.212). This poor performance at the plate could hamper their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, a critical aspect they need to address as Nick Lodolo takes the mound. Lodolo's performance will be crucial, especially in managing the Giants' hitters and navigating through high-pressure innings given the team's relatively weak defensive stats.

On the other side, the San Francisco Giants are set to counter with Mason Black as their starting pitcher, hoping to leverage their slightly better position in batting statistics against the Reds. Although middle-of-the-pack in terms of strikeouts and runs scored (ranking 17th in both), the Giants have shown a bit more consistency in hitting, maintaining a .240 batting average. Their chief concern, however, remains their limited base-running threat, as they are ranked 29th in stolen bases. This could limit their ability to create dynamic scoring opportunities. Key players like Michael Conforto, who leads the team with a .277 average and 7 home runs, along with Thairo Estrada, leading in RBIs with 21, will need to capitalize on every scoring chance they get, particularly against a Reds team that can be vulnerable defensively.

San Francisco Giants injuries

  • Jung Hoo Lee (CF): Day-To-Day
  • Austin Slater (RF): Day-To-Day
  • Patrick Bailey (C): 7-Day IL
  • Vaun Brown (OF): Day-To-Day
  • Wade Meckler (OF): Day-To-Day

Cincinnati Reds injuries

  • Brandon Williamson (SP): 60-Day-IL
  • Alex Young (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Ty Floyd (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Christian Encarnacion-Strand (1B): 10-Day-IL
  • Noelvi Marte (SS): suspension

How to Watch the Reds vs Giants

The Reds vs. Giants game will be televised on FOX and is scheduled for Sat 7:15 PM.

Reds vs Giants predictions

The Cincinnati Reds are looking to take down the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, and I've got my eye on a few players who could make it happen. I think Elly De La Cruz is due for a big game, and I'm projecting him to go 2-for-4 with a homer and a couple of RBIs. Will Benson's been hot lately, and I think he'll keep it going with a 3-for-5 performance, including a double and a triple. And let's not forget Nick Lodolo on the mound - I've got him throwing six strong innings, giving up just two earned runs and striking out seven.

On the other side, the Giants are looking to even the series, and they'll rely on some of their big bats to get it done. Michael Conforto's been a beast lately, and I think he'll keep it going with a 2-for-4 performance, including a homer and two RBIs. Thairo Estrada's been a quiet assassin all season, and I think he'll go 3-for-5 with a double and a triple. And Mason Black's got a tough task ahead of him on the mound, but I think he'll keep the Giants in it, giving up three earned runs over five innings.

So who's gonna take it? I've got the Reds coming out on top, 6-4. Lodolo's gonna shut down the Giants' bats just enough, and the Reds' offense will do just enough to get the win. The Giants will keep it close, but in the end, Cincinnati's gonna come out on top and take a 2-0 lead in the series. Take it to the bank.

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