Colorado Rockies vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions April 27th 2025

Austin Hays, Reds Ride Power Surge Into Finale vs. Rockies

Fueled by a potent offensive outburst, the Cincinnati Reds are looking to complete a series sweep of the struggling Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon in Denver. With Austin Hays leading the charge, the Reds’ bats have come alive at just the right time.

Hays, Reds Heating Up at the Plate

Austin Hays continued his scorching form Saturday with a two-homer performance, including a crucial tie-breaking blast in the sixth inning to help secure a 6-4 win. Hays, who missed the first 17 games of the season due to a calf strain, has slotted in perfectly behind Elly De La Cruz in the lineup and is making opposing pitchers think twice.

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“You’ve got to think twice, pitching to De La Cruz, knowing that Hays is behind him, because he’s dangerous,” Reds manager Terry Francona said.

The Reds have now hit a home run in every game of their current nine-game road trip, racking up 15 long balls while batting a sizzling .319. The offensive rebirth has been fueled by a red-hot quintet of Hays, TJ Friedl, Elly De La Cruz, Gavin Lux, and Spencer Steer — all of whom had multi-hit games on Saturday and are collectively hitting .347 on the road swing.

If you’re analyzing MLB picks for this matchup, Cincinnati’s recent surge at the plate makes them a very attractive option. To get expert breakdowns and predictions, check out the latest MLB picks.

Rockies in Freefall

Meanwhile, the Rockies’ nightmare season continues. Saturday’s loss dropped Colorado to a franchise-worst 4-22 start, making them just the seventh team since 1901 to record four or fewer wins through 26 games.

While there were bright spots — such as Adael Amador’s first career home run and multi-hit efforts from Hunter Goodwin and Michael Toglia — the rest of the Rockies’ offense was nearly non-existent, going a combined 1-for-24.

One of Colorado’s biggest concerns remains the slump of Ryan McMahon, who is mired in a 2-for-50 stretch at the plate. McMahon is expected to sit out Sunday against Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo.

“We are still searching for answers and we’re still working on it,” McMahon said. “But I’ve got to start producing, got to start helping the team.”

Pitching Matchup: Lodolo vs. Feltner

Nick Lodolo (2-2, 2.79 ERA) will get the start for Cincinnati, looking to bounce back from a loss to Miami in which he allowed three runs over 5 2/3 innings. Lodolo has a 3.72 ERA in two career starts against Colorado.

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The Rockies will counter with Ryan Feltner (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who delivered a strong outing last time out by tossing seven innings of one-run ball against the Royals. However, Feltner has struggled historically against the Reds, posting a 7.15 ERA across two starts.

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Key Storylines for the Finale

The Reds are surging offensively and looking to cap off a successful road trip with a sweep, while the Rockies desperately seek to avoid another low point in what has already been a historically bad season. Cincinnati’s powerful lineup against Colorado’s beleaguered pitching staff makes Sunday’s finale one to watch.