Cincinnati Reds vs San Francisco Giants Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 3/29/25, 12:59 PM  by Carlos Zabala in MLB Picks

In a close Opening Day, the Giants took the win at Great American Ball Park against a Reds team that didn't hit a home run. The Reds are a team that relies on long-range hits, perhaps to an excess. Elly De La Cruz went 1-for-3 with two runs scored, a strikeout, and a double in the loss. An interesting pitching matchup is expected for Saturday's second game between veteran and new Giants acquisition Justin Verlander and Lodolo for the Reds.

Lodolo has always been known for his powerful fastball, but injuries have kept him from the dominant ace he once thought he would achieve. However, he had a good spring training, pitching six innings against the Guardians in his final preparation game, striking out seven and retiring the last 11 players he faced.

Verlander, for his part, said he feels healthy and wasn't concerned about his velocity, which he described as good for spring training. In fact, he's throwing faster than he did in 2024, when he dealt with neck and shoulder injuries.

The Giants won 6-4 with a three-run homer from Flores, who has proven to be a clutch hitter, while Tyler Rodgers earned the W with his scoreless inning in the eighth.