Reds fans are waking up on Wednesday April 29th and the Reds currently sit in fourth place in the entire MLB. They are in first place in the NL Central with a 1.5 game lead over the Cubs. The NL Central, so far, is the best division in baseball. All five teams are at least two games above .500. If that continues throughout the season the Central could see three teams in the playoffs. Playing in the best division in baseball you need to have a great offense and a better defense. The Reds recently have fit that criteria. Let's talk about it!
The Reds have won eight of their last ten games. They have four straight series wins, looking to make that five tonight against Colorado. Over the last ten games the offense has been consistent and dominant. They are scoring an average of 6.1 runs per game. They are hitting almost two homeruns a games. Hitting 1.8 home runs over their last ten to be exact. Bats that have been quiet are coming to life, bats that have been hot are staying hot. Let's look at a few players and their contributions to the success of the Reds over the last ten games.
Elly De La Cruz
Elly has been impressive both hitting and fielding. There have always been concerns over his ability to be a defensively sound short stop. Truthfully, the concerns are valid. In previous seasons he has kicked routine ground balls, thrown the ball away, or just flat out made mental mistakes. So far this season those previous issues have not been a concern. Being a short stop you will typically lead the team in errors, which Elly currently does. However the team as a whole has been pretty error free. The team averages one error roughly every two games. The pace they are currently on is below the league average.
Now lets talk offense for Elly. Over his last ten games he has been the best hitter on the team. Tied for the most homeruns, leads the team in RBIs and Hits over the last ten games. Elly is playing to his potential both offensively and defensively not only the last ten games but the entire season. I don't think it's crazy to say Elly hasn't reached his full potential either. I think he can be better! That's an exciting thought for Reds fans.
Nathaniel Lowe
Nate Lowe has proven to be a well worth addition in the offseason. Like Elly he is swinging one of the hottest bats on the squad. He is the one tied with Elly for home runs over this ten game stretch. He is hitting the ball well and hitting for power. He is a perfect fill in when Sal needs a break at first. He is also thriving as the fill in Dh while Suarez is on the IL. Lowe has the potential to be a big reason the Reds make a deep run in the playoffs this season.
Matt McLain
McLain is a guy who had a great spring and a great start to the season but cooled off the last few weeks. He is heating back in the last few series. McLain is back to hitting with a purpose, hitting to get on base and the power is following. I have always had a soft spot for McLain and would personally love to see this hot stretch continue for him. After facing Colorado the Reds enter a stretch facing two division foes who are also off to impressive starts to the season. The Pirates and the Cubs. The Reds will dodge Skenes in the Pirates series which means its a great time to keep the bats hot.
The Reds look to win the series this evening as Williamson takes on Sugano.
Prediction:
Reds: 9
Rockies: 4
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