Players To Watch
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Reds' TJ Friedl and Diamondbacks Set for Thrilling Showdown at Great American Ball Park

First Inning


As the Reds prepare to face off against the Diamondbacks at the Great American Ball Park, all eyes will be on TJ Friedl, the center fielder who has been a consistent performer for the Big Red Machine. Over the last three games, Friedl has demonstrated exceptional prowess at bat with an impressive average of .667 in one game and an overall solid performance across others. His ability to get on base with a .75 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of 1.0 makes him a formidable opponent for any pitcher.


May 15, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott (41) throws in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side, Alek Thomas from the Snakes has shown flashes of brilliance with his bat as well. Despite a hitless game against the Braves, Thomas bounced back with a .500 average in another outing. His fielding skills are equally commendable, maintaining a perfect fielding percentage in two out of three games.


Middle Innings


The middle innings could see some fireworks from Elly De La Cruz, who plays shortstop for the Reds. De La Cruz's recent form is highlighted by his remarkable .500 batting average in one game against the Brewers, coupled with an outstanding 1.75 OPS. His ability to drive runs and maintain pressure on opposing pitchers will be crucial for Cincinnati's success.


May 15, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA;  Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Pavin Smith (26) reacts after hitting a double in the eighth inning as Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) applies a late tag in the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

For Arizona, Ketel Marte stands out as a key player to watch. Marte's offensive capabilities were on full display when he hit two home runs in one game against Atlanta, boasting an astronomical 4.0 OPS during that match-up. His consistency is further underlined by his overall strong hitting stats across multiple games.


Late Innings


As we approach the late innings, pitching will play a critical role in determining which team gains the upper hand. For Cincinnati, Hunter Greene has been reliable on the mound with an ERA of 3.6 and an impressive strikeout rate of 12.6 per nine innings over his recent outings.


May 15, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA;  Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) throws in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Merrill Kelly from Arizona is expected to counter Greene's efforts effectively. Kelly's recent performances include a stellar game where he maintained an ERA of 0.0 while securing a win for his team against Atlanta.


Both teams have their share of standout performers who can turn the tide at any moment during this highly anticipated match-up.


Fans can catch this exciting clash between Reds and Diamondbacks live at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on June 7th at 4:10 PM ET or tune into FDSOH network for live coverage.


Don't miss out! Share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts and join us as we witness what promises to be an electrifying encounter between these two talented teams!

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