Atlanta Braves vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions May 5th 2025

Braves vs. Reds: Riley Looks to Stay Hot, Atlanta Aims for Payback

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley is swinging a scorching bat, and the timing couldn’t be better. As the Braves kick off a four-game homestand against the Cincinnati Reds, they’re hoping Riley’s momentum can flip the script after dropping four of six games to the Reds last year.

Riley has been tearing it up, going 5-for-12 with a double, two home runs, and four RBIs during the weekend series against the Dodgers. Not only did he power Atlanta to a 4-3 win in the finale — snapping a three-game skid — but he also took over the team lead with eight home runs and a .292 batting average.

Against the Reds? He’s even better. In 23 career games versus Cincinnati, Riley is hitting .352 with six homers and 14 RBIs — numbers that should give Braves fans hope heading into this homestand.

Manager Brian Snitker praised Riley’s plate approach, and the numbers back it up. When he’s dialed in, Riley becomes a serious problem for opposing pitchers.

If you’re tracking team performance trends or player stats, visit the MLB Team Page for real-time updates.

Can the Braves Reverse Last Season’s Story?

This marks the first meeting of 2025 between Atlanta and Cincinnati. The Braves will be looking to rewrite recent history: the Reds swept a three-game series in Atlanta last season and claimed four of the six head-to-head matchups overall.

Despite losing to Washington 4-1 on Sunday, the Reds have been solid lately, winning seven of their last 11. It’s a team that’s quietly been finding its rhythm — and they’ve already shown they can handle Atlanta.

On the mound, it’ll be A.J. Smith-Shawver (1-2, 4.26 ERA) taking the ball for the Braves. He’s fresh off his first win of the year at Colorado, where he gave up just two runs over 5 1/3 innings before exiting after getting hit by a line drive.

That start showed promise — solid command, low walk count, and effective pitch mixing. However, his only previous outing against the Reds? Not pretty. He gave up five runs in just 3 1/3 innings, including three home runs in June 2023.

For expert projections and sharp game breakdowns, be sure to check the MLB Picks Page.

Brady Singer Brings Consistency to the Reds Rotation

Cincinnati’s starter Brady Singer (4-1, 3.24 ERA) has been one of the more dependable arms in their rotation this year. In six starts, he’s only allowed more than three earned runs once. His last outing was a tough-luck loss despite giving up just one run over six innings to St. Louis.

Singer hasn’t had much success against Atlanta though — he’s 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in two career starts against them. He’s struck out 13 in 11 innings, but five home runs surrendered tell a story of mistakes the Braves punished.

Given how Riley is mashing and how other Braves hitters can heat up quickly, Singer will need to keep the ball down and avoid the middle of the plate if he wants to change his fortune against Atlanta.

If you’re following pitching trends or betting lines, swing over to the MLB Odds Page.

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X-Factor: Elly De La Cruz vs Braves Pitching

One player Braves fans know all too well? Elly De La Cruz. In just nine career games vs. Atlanta, the electric shortstop is batting .395 with seven extra-base hits, two homers, six RBIs, and five stolen bases.

His combination of speed, power, and aggressiveness has proven to be a real headache for Atlanta’s pitchers. If the Braves want to take control of this series, keeping De La Cruz off the bases has to be a priority.

For a full breakdown of key matchups, player metrics, and betting strategies, don’t miss the MLB Expert Betting Guide.

What’s at Stake in This Series?

The Braves are trying to re-establish home dominance and shake off recent struggles. Winning the series opener against a team that swept them at home last season would be a confidence booster — especially with Riley firing on all cylinders and Smith-Shawver aiming to build momentum.

On the flip side, the Reds have a real chance to prove their 2024 success against Atlanta wasn’t a fluke. With Singer pitching well and De La Cruz locked in, this series opener has all the ingredients for a close, high-impact game.

FAQs

How has Austin Riley performed against the Reds?
Riley is hitting .352 with six homers and 14 RBIs in 23 games vs. Cincinnati.

Who are the starting pitchers for the series opener?
Atlanta will start A.J. Smith-Shawver (1-2, 4.26 ERA), while Cincinnati sends Brady Singer (4-1, 3.24 ERA) to the mound.

What’s the Braves’ recent record against the Reds?
The Reds won four of six games against Atlanta last season, including a sweep in Atlanta.

Is Elly De La Cruz effective against Atlanta?
Absolutely. He’s hitting .395 with seven extra-base hits in nine games vs. the Braves.

What was Smith-Shawver’s last outing like?
He earned his first win, allowing just two runs at Coors Field, and exited after being hit by a line drive.

Is Brady Singer consistent this season?
Yes, he’s allowed three or fewer earned runs in all but one of his starts this year.