The Cincinnati Reds head to Cumberland, Georgia on Thursday, September 24 for a 7:15 PM ET showdown against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Brady Singer gets the ball for Cincinnati against former Red Tyler Mahle, making this one loaded with subtext. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Reds will need a sharp outing from Singer to handle one of the National League's most dangerous lineups. Catch the game on FS1/FOX ONE, Reds.TV, or locally on WLW 700 AM.

Pitching Matchup: Brady Singer vs. Tyler Mahle

Brady Singer gets the assignment for the Reds on Thursday night. The right-hander will need to command the strike zone against a Braves lineup that can punish any mistake in the middle of the order. Singer's ability to generate weak contact and limit walks will be the defining factor in how deep he can go into this game.

On the other side, Tyler Mahle takes the hill for Atlanta — and yes, that name rings loud in Cincinnati. Mahle spent several years in a Reds uniform before moving on, and he knows this Reds lineup as well as anyone. How the Reds adjust to what Mahle brings Thursday will say a lot about where this offense is at this late stage of the season.

Atlanta Braves Lineup to Watch

The Braves are stacking a formidable lineup in front of Singer. Ronald Acuña Jr. hits second and remains one of the most electric players in the National League. Matt Olson slots in at third in the order at first base, followed by Michael Harris II in center. Austin Riley, batting eighth, is the kind of hitter who can make a pitcher pay for a mistake even from the lower third of the order. Sean Murphy behind the plate rounds out a lineup that has no obvious soft spots.

Cincinnati Reds Lineup to Watch

Elly De La Cruz leads off from the two-hole at shortstop and is the engine that makes this Reds offense go. When De La Cruz is seeing the ball well and using his legs, Cincinnati is a different team. Tyler Stephenson hits cleanup at catcher — his bat in the middle of the order gives the Reds a legitimate run-producing threat. Sal Stewart at first base bats third, and JJ Bleday takes the five-spot in left. Keep an eye on Eugenio Suárez at DH batting sixth; a veteran presence who can change a game with one swing late in a close contest.

Three Keys for the Reds on Thursday

• Singer limits the Acuña-Olson combo: Those two in the middle of Atlanta's order represent the biggest threat. If Singer can navigate the second and third innings with minimal damage, Cincinnati has a real shot.
• De La Cruz sets the table early: The Reds need Elly on base and in motion from the jump. When he gets on and starts running, it disrupts everything the opposing battery is trying to do.
• Neutralize Mahle's familiarity advantage: Mahle knows this roster. The Reds hitters need to be disciplined and patient, and not let nostalgia turn into a rough night at the plate.

Prediction

This is a tough road spot. Truist Park is a difficult environment, and Mahle brings genuine motivation facing his former club. That said, the Reds have the pieces to make it competitive. If Singer is on and the top of the order produces, Cincinnati can steal one on the road. Expect a close, low-scoring game that comes down to the bullpen. Reds 4, Braves 3.