The Cincinnati Reds host the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Great American Ball Park with first pitch set for 7:10 PM ET. Brady Singer gets the ball for Cincinnati against Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo in what shapes up as a quality pitching matchup between two clubs that know how to win. This one matters — the Phillies are a proven postseason program, and any series at home against Philadelphia is a measuring-stick opportunity for the Reds.
Starting Pitchers: Brady Singer vs. Jesús Luzardo
Brady Singer has been a cornerstone of the Reds rotation since arriving from Kansas City, bringing a power arsenal and competitive edge that fits the Great American Ball Park mound well. Singer works with a riding fastball and a sharp slider, and he gives Cincinnati a legitimate chance to win every time he takes the ball.
On the other side, Jesús Luzardo is a talented left-hander who can run it up there and miss bats with a deceptive delivery. Luzardo has the stuff to make Reds hitters uncomfortable, particularly those who struggle against left-handed velocity. The Reds lineup will need to be disciplined and patient early to get into the Philadelphia bullpen.
Keys to Watch for the Cincinnati Reds
- Singer's command: When Singer is throwing strikes and working ahead in counts, he's difficult to square up. If he locates his fastball to both sides of the plate, the Phillies lineup will have a long night.
- Facing Luzardo early: The Reds need to make Luzardo work. Getting pitches up in the zone and making him labor through the lineup the second and third time through is the blueprint against him.
- Bullpen management: Great American Ball Park rewards power, and the Phillies carry dangerous bats throughout their order. Cincinnati's manager will need to be decisive about pulling Singer if the pitch count climbs or Philadelphia gets traffic on the bases in the middle innings.
- Home crowd energy: Thursday night at GABP with a competitive opponent in town can turn into something special. The Reds play well at home, and a packed ballpark creates a genuine advantage.
Broadcast Information
Reds fans can catch Thursday's game on Reds.TV locally and on NBCSP for the Philadelphia market. Radio coverage is available on WLW 700 AM in Cincinnati and 94 WIP FM on the Phillies side, with additional coverage on the iHeart App in Spanish.
Prediction
This is the kind of game the Reds need to take seriously from the jump. Singer versus Luzardo is a legitimate pitching duel, and low-scoring games against Philadelphia can turn on a single mistake. Give the edge to whichever offense draws a walk or squares up an early fastball and does something with it. Lean Reds here — Singer at Great American Ball Park with the home crowd behind him, 4–2 Cincinnati.
