Cleveland Guardians vs Cincinnati Reds June 9th 2025
The Cincinnati Reds will play against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. This game is set for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 6:40 PM. Fans can catch the action on FDSOH.
The weather forecast predicts heavy rain with a light breeze, which might affect the game. Wade Miley will start for the Reds with an ERA of 18.00. Luis L. Ortiz will take the mound for the Guardians, holding an ERA of 4.01.
Reds vs Guardians Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Guardians
- Venue: Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH
- Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
- Betting Odds: Guardians MoneyLine -172, Reds MoneyLine +144
The Reds Can Win If…
The Cincinnati Reds are riding a hot streak, winning their last three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In their most recent game, they secured a 4-2 victory. Key players like Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand contributed with home runs, showcasing their power at the plate.
The Reds have shown strong offensive stats this season. They rank 7th in doubles with 107 and 4th in stolen bases with 57. Their ability to generate extra-base hits and speed on the bases can be crucial in their upcoming game.
On the mound, the Reds have a solid pitching staff with a team ERA of 3.80, ranked 12th. Their ability to limit opponents’ batting average to .232, ranked 7th, highlights their pitching strength. With Wade Miley starting, they aim to continue their winning ways against the Cleveland Guardians.
The Guardians Can Win If…
The Cleveland Guardians are coming off a win against the Houston Astros with a score of 4-2. Tanner Bibee had a strong performance, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing only two runs. Bo Naylor led the offense with a home run and two RBIs, while Gabriel Arias added two doubles.
Cleveland’s pitching staff has been reliable, with a team ERA of 3.99, ranking 19th in the league. They have only blown five saves this season, the fewest in the league. Their ability to limit home runs, ranked 13th, helps keep opponents’ scoring in check.
José Ramírez is a key player for the Guardians, hitting .330 with 11 home runs. His presence in the lineup is a big advantage. With Luis L. Ortiz starting, Cleveland will look to capitalize on the Cincinnati Reds’ starter Wade Miley, who has an ERA of 18.00.
The Lean
The Guardians are favored with a moneyline of -172 against the Reds at +144. My model projects the Guardians to win with a score of 5-3. The Guardians have a stronger pitching staff, ranking 12th in ERA compared to the Reds’ 19th, which supports the pick for the Guardians to win.
The over/under line is set at 8.5 runs. My model projects a total score of 8 runs, suggesting a pick for the under. Both teams have mid-tier offenses, with the Guardians ranking 15th in batting average and the Reds at 21st, which aligns with a lower-scoring game.
Reds’ Francona Returns to Cleveland in Emotional Ohio Cup Showdown
After 11 years of leading the Cleveland Guardians, Terry Francona is walking back into Progressive Field—but now he’s wearing Cincinnati Reds red. The Ohio Cup just got a whole lot more personal.
Francona stepped down after the 2023 season, leaving as the franchise’s all-time wins leader (921) and a four-time AL Central champion. He also came heartbreakingly close to a World Series win in 2016, losing in seven to the Chicago Cubs. After a brief hiatus, he’s back in the game—this time managing the other side of Ohio.
“It just felt right,” Francona said of his decision to return to the dugout. “I had 11 of the best years of my life there. But now I’ve got a job to do with the Reds.”
That job includes trying to clinch the Ohio Cup after Cincinnati swept Cleveland in a three-game May series. A single win in this set would seal it.
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Wade Miley Returns to the Mound for Cincinnati
Making the start for the Reds is veteran left-hander Wade Miley (0-0, 18.00 ERA). This outing will mark his first start since undergoing elbow surgery in May 2024. The 38-year-old is no stranger to Progressive Field—in fact, he threw a no-hitter against Cleveland in 2021 while pitching for the Reds.
Miley just signed a one-year deal with performance incentives after ace Hunter Greene landed on the IL. He made a relief appearance last week against the Milwaukee Brewers, giving up four runs in two innings.
Against the Guardians in his career, Miley has a solid 3.51 ERA across 51 1/3 innings.
Guardians Hand Ball to Steady Luis Ortiz
Looking to counter Miley and spoil Francona’s return, the Guardians are giving the start to right-hander Luis Ortiz (3-6, 4.02 ERA). Ortiz was electric in his last outing—a 4-0 shutout win over the New York Yankees where he struck out seven and allowed just three singles in nearly six innings.
Ortiz has been one of Cleveland’s most consistent arms this year, and manager Stephen Vogt isn’t shy about praising his work ethic and development. “We just continue to see growth,” Vogt said. “Louie’s been making pitches when it matters.”
Still, Ortiz has some payback in mind—he took the loss against the Reds on May 18 after giving up six hits, including a big two-run homer.
As Francona returns to the place he called home for over a decade, the emotions will be high, but the stakes are even higher. Both teams are chasing momentum—and Ohio bragging rights are on the line.
FAQs
Why did Terry Francona leave the Guardians?
He stepped down after the 2023 season due to health reasons but has now returned to managing.
Which team did Francona join after Cleveland?
He is now the manager of the Cincinnati Reds.
Who is pitching for the Reds against the Guardians?
Veteran Wade Miley is starting, making his first start since elbow surgery.
What’s Miley’s record against the Guardians?
He has a 3.51 ERA over 10 career starts vs. Cleveland.
How has Luis Ortiz pitched recently?
Ortiz threw nearly six shutout innings in his last start against the Yankees, allowing just three hits.
Who leads the Ohio Cup series this year?
The Reds swept the Guardians earlier in May and need just one win in this series to claim the Ohio Cup.