Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 6/8/2022

Time: 6:40 p.m. ET

Venue: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH

Where to watch: Bally Sports Arizona, Bally Sports Ohio

DraftKings: Reds -120, Diamondbacks +100

BetMGM: Reds -120, Diamondbacks +100

Caesars: Reds -120, Diamondbacks +100

Diamondbacks: 26-31

Reds: 20-35

It's a good thing that the Cincinnati Reds did most of their damage in the first three innings because nearly letting that game get away from them in the latter part was almost excruciatingly painful. But the Reds did win the second game of the series over the Arizona Diamondbacks 14-8 on Tuesday and will get the chance to take the third one with a win on Wednesday.

The Reds have taken advantage of a vulnerable Arizona offense right now with their inability to score runs at opportune times. Cincinnati did just that with nine runs through three innings, starting with a four-run first inning highlighted by a three-run homer from Joey Votto and an RBI single from Albert Almora Jr.

The Reds added more dingers as the afternoon went on. Brandon Drury hit his team-leading 11th home run in the second, and Matt Reynolds added one more in the third with a two-run shot to make it a 9-0 game. After all of that, it could've ended there with no further complications.

One day after Hunter Greene dominated Arizona, it was Graham Ashcraft this time going six scoreless innings on just 76 pitches with the rookie striking out four on just three hits.

"I was out there giving it all I’ve got, just throwing the dickens out of it," Ashcraft said.

"It's really special. I think we can all agree and enjoy watching it," Reds manager David Bell said. "Last night, strikeouts, the pop-ups. Graham is going to get his share of strikeouts. There's no question but more importantly, he gets outs, and a lot of those were on the ground. So quite a bit different, both very successful. It's going to be fun watching these guys for a long time."

Meanwhile, the Reds just pounced on Arizona starter Tyler Gilbert, chasing him after 1.2 innings and six earned runs. Caleb Smith came in and tried to stop the bleeding by pitching 4.1 innings of relief, but still gave up two runs in the process.

"Poor command," manager Torey Lovullo said. "His balls were just outside of the zone, and he wasn't getting ahead. We got behind the 8-ball and never recovered."

"You kind of feel for the Diamondbacks because you’re facing two horses on back-to-back days like that," Reds left fielder Albert Almora Jr. said. "You don’t even get a breather in between."

All in all, the Reds totaled 16 hits and were 4 for 9 with runners in scoring position. The Cincinnati bullpen, however, did not make it easy late. The D-backs scored five runs in the top of the eighth. Had it not been for the Reds responding with five of their own in the bottom frame, the three Arizona added in the top of the ninth would've made that very interesting.

Arizona's hot start has certainly cooled, but finally getting some runs on the board has to be some sign of confidence. Even if the game was well out of hand, they still got it to a point where a tying run was a possibility. Now, with Merrill Kelly taking the mound and in need of a good start of his own, this is a good chance for the D-backs to recover.

The D-backs' inability to play good baseball in June has been incredible. They are now 4-28 in the month over the past three years, and are 47-87 the past three seasons after having lost four or five of their last six. But they are 9-9 in that department this time around, and I think Arizona is in dire need of a win. Kelly will shut things down. Diamondbacks win 6-3

Diamondbacks are 42-66 the past three seasons as an underdog between +100 and +150.

Diamondbacks are 41-96 on the road in the past three seasons.

Reds are 4-10 this season at home when the line is between +125 and -125.

Reds are 14-36 against NL West opponents the past three seasons.

Reds are 11-15 at home this season.

D-backs:
Daulton Varsho (L) DH
Josh Rojas (L) 3B
Ketel Marte (S) 2B
Christian Walker (R) 1B
David Peralta (L) LF
Pavin Smith (L) RF
Alek Thomas (L) CF
Geraldo Perdomo (S) SS
Jose Herrera (S) C
SP - Merrill Kelly

Reds:
Nick Senzel (R) CF
Brandon Drury (R) 3B
Tommy Pham (R) DH
Joey Votto (L) 1B
Tyler Stephenson (R) C
Kyle Farmer (R) SS
Albert Almora Jr. (R) LF
Aristides Aquino (R) RF
Matt Reynolds (R) 2B
SP - Mike Minor

Batting average: Ketel Marte -- .263

Home runs: Christian Walker -- 14

RBI: Christian Walker -- 26

Wins: Merrill Kelly -- 4

ERA: Zac Gallen -- 2.40

Batting average: Kyle Farmer -- .271

Home runs: Brandon Drury -- 11

RBI: Kyle Farmer -- 32

Wins: Hunter Greene -- 3

ERA: Hunter Greene -- 5.40