Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 9th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves, who were expecting an early exit for a getaway day on Wednesday, will now have to play a doubleheader due to inclement weather. Heavy rains in Atlanta caused the postponement of Tuesday's game, resulting in a split doubleheader for the Braves, their second one this week.

The first game will feature a matchup between two right-handers, Frankie Montas (4-8, 4.85 ERA) for the Reds and Allan Winans (0-1, 10.80 ERA) for the Braves. In the second game, Atlanta's ace Chris Sale (13-3, 2.70 ERA) will face off against Cincinnati's Nick Martinez (3-5, 3.88 ERA), who will be making his first start since May 22.

Montas has been the subject of trade rumors as the deadline approaches, with teams looking for pitching options. In June, he held opponents to a .189 batting average and a 3.55 ERA in five starts. However, his last two outings have not been as successful, as he allowed a total of 12 runs on 14 hits over 11 2/3 innings.

In his most recent start against the Miami Marlins, Montas gave up seven runs on six hits, including two home runs, in just 4 2/3 innings. This will be his first time facing the Braves in his career.

Winans will be called up from Triple-A Gwinnett to start for the Braves. He made one appearance for the team earlier this season, giving up seven runs (six earned) in five innings against the New York Mets on April 11. In 15 appearances for Gwinnett, Winans had a 4-3 record with a 2.74 ERA. He started six games for Atlanta last year, going 1-2 with a 5.29 ERA.

Martinez, who has made 28 appearances for the Reds this season, will start the second game of the doubleheader. He has not allowed a run in his last three outings, most recently pitching one inning against the Marlins on July 14. In his career, he has a 1-1 record with a 3.86 ERA in four games (three starts) against the Braves.

Sale, the ace for the Braves, will be looking for his fourth straight win. In his last start against the San Diego Padres, he allowed just one run on four hits and two walks in five innings. He has only faced the Reds once in his career, allowing one run in 3 2/3 innings for the Boston Red Sox on June 1, 2023.

The Braves will be without third baseman Austin Riley, who is on the paternity list after the birth of his second son. He will rejoin the team on Thursday for their series against the Mets. In his place, Luke Williams has been recalled from Gwinnett.

On Tuesday, the Reds recalled right-hander Lyon Richardson from Triple-A Louisville and optioned right-hander Casey Legumina. Richardson, who had a 4.43 ERA for Louisville, is expected to provide long relief and possibly start. He appeared in four games for the Reds last season, going 0-2 with an 8.64 ERA.

As for the weather, the teams are hoping for better conditions for their doubleheader on Wednesday. The Braves will be without Riley, but they have confidence in their team and are excited to have Sale on the mound. The Reds are also looking forward to the opportunity to face a top pitcher like Sale and hope to make progress with their recent call-up, Richardson.

Overall, both teams are ready to battle it out in the doubleheader and make the most of their unexpected extended stay in Atlanta. It will be an exciting day of baseball for both the Reds and Braves, and fans can expect to see some great performances from these talented teams.

PREDICTION

Cincinnati Reds

4

5

Atlanta Braves

Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves Recap SEP 9TH 2024