*ALL BIG GAME PLAYS* Joe D’s MLB is HOT HOT HOT, and today, WE SCORCH THE BOOKS on the diamond with 3 BIG MLB WINNERS; NL BEST BET, DOUBLE PLAY, and HOME RUN RELEASE. Join me here and together, WE BURN THE BOOKS TO THE GROUND.

Monday three winner: Cincinnati Reds.

Game 972.

4:10 PM PST/7:10 PM EST.

Yes, it’s true, the Cincinnati Reds sit in last place in the National League Central, 16-5-games back, possessing one of the worst overall records in the N.L., at 49-55. It is also true the Cleveland Guardians are sitting in second place in the American League Central, 2.5-games back, at 54-53. It is also true the Guardians have taken two of three meetings so far in 2026 against the Reds. However, baseball is a very streaky sport. Right now, Cleveland is sliding while Cincinnati is starting to find their legs. The Guardians have dropped five in a row, being outscored by a combined, 28-10 during that span. Meanwhile, the Reds have won four of their last five with a combination of solid hitting and very strong pitching. Prior to this season, Cincinnati had gotten a better of Cleveland, taking five of the previous six matchups, all played between May and June last season. In my opinion, with a big difference in this matchup giving the home team a big edge is the starting pitchers. The Guardians will send Slade Cecconi to the hill while the Reds give Chase Burns the nod. The Cleveland right-hander is just 4-7 with a 4.60 ERA on the campaign, as he has seen his ERA skyrocket over his last three outings, going 0-1 with a 7.42 ERA. Over his career, Cecconi has struggled against Cincinnati, going winless at 0-3 with a 4.05 ERA. The Reds right-hander has been superb this season, earning a 12-1 record with a very respectable ERA of 2.42. Remarkably, the team has won his last seven turns, and 11 of his last 12 outings. At home this season has been nearly unbeatable, sporting a 6-1 mark with a 2.32 ERA. As I mentioned a moment ago, I feel the big difference in this matchup is the starting pitchers. I’m gonna’ stick with that and take the Cincinnati Reds. Thank you.