The Cincinnati Reds return to Great American Ball Park on Wednesday, August 5 for a 6:40 PM ET showdown against the Athletics. Right-hander Rhett Lowder gets the ball for Cincinnati opposite Athletics starter Jacob Lopez. With the Reds playing at home in front of their fans along the Ohio River, this is exactly the kind of game Cincinnati needs to protect its turf. The game airs on Reds.TV and NBCSCA on television, with radio coverage on WLW 700 AM.

Pitching Matchup: Rhett Lowder vs. Jacob Lopez

Rhett Lowder is the story on the mound for Cincinnati. The young right-hander has been one of the more closely watched arms in the Reds rotation, and Wednesday night he gets a home start at Great American Ball Park — about as favorable a stage as a pitcher could ask for. Lowder's development matters enormously for where this organization goes, and every start is a data point worth tracking closely.

Jacob Lopez draws the assignment for Oakland. Lopez is a name that does not carry household recognition in the National League, which in some ways makes him a dangerous opponent. Lineups that overlook unfamiliar pitchers tend to produce flat at-bats early, and the Reds cannot afford to spot the Athletics free outs in the first few innings.

Cincinnati Reds Starting Lineup

• 1. Elly De La Cruz — SS
• 2. Sal Stewart — 1B
• 3. Dane Myers — CF
• 4. Eugenio Suárez — DH
• 5. Noelvi Marte — RF
• 6. JJ Bleday — LF
• 7. Jose Trevino — C
• 8. Ke'Bryan Hayes — 3B
• 9. Matt McLain — 2B

Keys to Watch at Great American Ball Park

Elly De La Cruz Setting the Table

De La Cruz leads off and is the engine of this offense. When he gets on base and uses his speed, the entire lineup operates differently. His ability to put pressure on an opposing battery from the first pitch of the game is a genuine weapon, and Lopez will have to account for him every time he reaches.

Eugenio Suárez in the Cleanup Spot

Suárez sliding into the four-hole as the designated hitter is a significant lineup construction choice. His power gives the Reds a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat, and if De La Cruz and Stewart can get on base ahead of him, Cincinnati has the firepower to put up a crooked number early.

Matt McLain Batting Ninth

McLain hitting ninth is worth noting. Slotting a second baseman with offensive upside at the bottom of the order can function as a second table-setter, keeping the lineup from dying out after the eight-hole. How he performs in that role will influence how many times the top of the order comes up with runners on base.

Lowder's Command and Pitch Mix

The biggest variable in this game is how sharp Lowder is. If he is commanding his fastball and mixing his secondary pitches effectively, the Athletics lineup should have a difficult night. If his command wavers early, Cincinnati's bullpen could be tested before the game is decided.

Prediction

The Reds have a lineup capable of doing damage against a pitcher the Athletics are counting on to give them length. Lowder at home, in front of a Great American Ball Park crowd, is the right arm in the right spot. Cincinnati takes this one, 5-3, with De La Cruz and Suárez doing the most damage.