The Cincinnati Reds enter tonight’s decisive series finale against the Seattle Mariners with a 9–9 record and a clear goal in mind: win at home, take the series, and continue building momentum behind one of the National League’s most improved pitching staffs. The Reds have leaned heavily on their arms in the early going, entering this contest with a 3.00 team ERA—the third-best mark in the National League—and they’ll turn again to red-hot right-hander Brady Singer, who has been one of the biggest bright spots in their rotation. Acquired in the offseason from Kansas City, Singer has delivered immediately with a 3–0 record, a 3.18 ERA, and 18 strikeouts in just 17 innings pitched. His new cutter has transformed his pitch mix, giving him a reliable weapon against left-handed hitters and allowing him to attack the zone with more confidence. Singer will look to bounce back from a no-decision in his last start and guide the Reds through what figures to be another tight matchup, especially against a Seattle lineup that tends to surge late. A quality start from Singer would take pressure off a Reds bullpen that has been sturdy but exposed when called upon too early or too often. Offensively, the Reds have been slower to warm up, ranking near the bottom of the league in run production but showing encouraging signs with the return of key bats to the lineup. The long-anticipated return of Matt McLain and Austin Hays from the injured list has already paid dividends, with both players providing quality at-bats and steady defense that had been missing in the season’s first two weeks. At the heart of the lineup is Elly De La Cruz, who continues to generate excitement with his explosive athleticism, power potential, and game-changing speed on the bases.

Though he’s still refining his plate discipline, De La Cruz gives Cincinnati an X-factor capable of turning a routine game on its head with a swing or a stolen base. Veteran presence Tyler Stephenson remains a key offensive anchor, especially in high-leverage moments, and Spencer Steer—despite playing through a minor shoulder issue—has continued to drive in runs and give quality production from the middle of the order. Collectively, the lineup is still finding its rhythm, but it’s one that has the potential to be far more dangerous now that key contributors are healthy and back in sync. Defensively, the Reds have been solid, minimizing errors and helping preserve the efforts of a rotation that has often pitched to contact. As they look to secure the series win at Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati must execute cleanly behind Singer, capitalize on scoring chances early, and avoid the late-game breakdowns that have cost them close games in recent years. Against a Seattle team known for its resilience and late-inning production, playing from ahead will be vital. A win tonight would not only clinch the series but also give the Reds their first winning record of the season and send a message that this year’s team is better equipped to handle adversity, compete in tight games, and perhaps take a step forward in a wide-open National League Central. With the pitching dialed in, key bats returning, and the home crowd behind them, the Reds have the pieces in place to finish strong and head into their next series with renewed confidence.