Cincinnati Reds Aim for Sweep Against Slumping Guardians on Sunday

Cincinnati, OH

The Cincinnati Reds will try to complete a three-game sweep of the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Great American Ball Park. Both teams enter the game dealing with injuries, but the Reds are riding a solid three-game winning streak while the Guardians have lost three straight.

The Guardians, with a record of 25-20, have struggled recently, suffering defeats in their last three contests. Their recent performance includes losses to the Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, pushing their offensive output to concerning levels. Cleveland’s bats are hitting just .232 and their pitching staff has a 4.15 ERA, with injuries to key players like Shane Bieber and Paul Sewald complicating matters further.

“We need to find our rhythm again,” said Guardians manager Terry Francona. “Our injuries have affected our consistency, and we can’t afford to have another off day.”

In contrast, the 23-24 Reds are finding their footing after impressive performances. They recently defeated the Guardians twice and also achieved a 7-1 win against the Chicago White Sox in their last game. Their batting average of .241 and improved pitching metrics reflect a team gaining momentum, despite their own injury setbacks.

“We’re focused on keeping this momentum going,” said Reds manager David Bell. “It’s about executing plays and staying disciplined at the plate.”

Cleveland starter has faced challenges this season, with a 2-4 record and a 4.78 ERA, while Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott has been a bright spot. Abbott boasts a strong 2.10 ERA and is holding opponents to a .185 batting average, presenting a tough challenge for the Guardians.

The game is set for 1:40 PM ET, with the Guardians entering as +110 underdogs against the Reds’ -130 odds. The total for the game is set at 8.5.

“We know every game matters, especially with the standings this close,” added Francona. “Today, we need to find a way to win.”