Braves vs Reds Preview: Strider Battles Lodolo in Week 62

The Braves are crushing it right now. They're 40-19 and won their last three games. Look at what happened yesterday—Ronald Acuña Jr. blasted two home runs. Matt Olson rocketed one to center. Even backup catcher Santiago Tromp helped out. Cincinnati's pitchers got absolutely pummeled. The Braves scored 5 runs yesterday and 8 the day before. When Atlanta's bats get hot like this, nobody stops them. The Reds are in real trouble today. Spencer Strider takes the mound ready to dominate. The Braves want to keep this hot streak rolling and make it four straight wins.

Cincinnati is in trouble. They're 29-28 and just lost three straight games. Nick Lodolo takes the mound for the Reds. He needs to shut down Atlanta's powerful offense early. The problem for Cincinnati? Hunter Greene, their best pitcher, won't be back until July. Andrew Abbott and Lodolo are carrying the load right now. Without Greene healthy, the Reds' rotation has big gaps. Meanwhile, Emilio Pagán closes games in the bullpen. Cincinnati's pitching staff can't afford to give Atlanta easy outs. Lodolo's fastball and control will be tested today.

Atlanta's lineup looks scary good right now. Ronald Acuña Jr. is launching the ball everywhere. Yastrzemski had key hits in the series. Matt Olson drove in runs with power. Santiago Mateo smacked a home run yesterday. These guys know how to work Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati's defense is struggling to keep up. The Reds don't have the same firepower. Sure, Dane Myers hit a home run recently, but one bat can't beat Atlanta's whole machine. When the Braves' top players get rolling, games end fast. Today could be another rout.