Hey there, baseball fans! Are you ready for some exciting action at the Great American Ball Park? The Cincinnati Reds are set to face off against the Chicago Cubs on April 12th, and we’ve got you covered with a full preview and predictions for this highly anticipated matchup.
The Reds are coming into this game with a lot of momentum after their impressive start to the season. They’ve won four of their first six games, including a series sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cubs, on the other hand, have had a bit of a rocky start, going 2-4 in their first six games. However, they’re always a tough opponent, especially when they’re playing at home.
The Reds will be sending their ace, Luis Castillo, to the mound for this game. Castillo has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball over the last few years, and he’s always tough to beat when he’s on his game. The Cubs will counter with Kyle Hendricks, who is a veteran pitcher with a lot of experience. Which pitcher will come out on top in this matchup? Let’s take a closer look at both teams and make some predictions.
Reds Game April 12
The Game
The Cincinnati Reds will host the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park on Saturday, April 12, 2023, for their first home game of the 2023 season. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM EDT.
Teams
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are coming off a disappointing 2022 season, finishing with a 62-100 record. However, they have made several moves this offseason to improve their roster, including signing outfielder Tommy Pham and pitcher Mike Minor. The Reds are hoping to contend for a playoff spot in 2023.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are one of the most consistent teams in baseball, having won 90 or more games in each of the last four seasons. They are led by a strong offense that features Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Tyler O’Neill. The Cardinals are looking to win their first World Series since 2011.
Pitching Matchup
Reds: Hunter Greene
Greene is a 23-year-old right-hander who is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and finished with a 4-13 record and a 4.48 ERA. The Reds are hoping that Greene can take a step forward in 2023 and become a key part of their rotation.
Cardinals: Steven Matz
Matz is a 31-year-old left-hander who signed with the Cardinals this offseason. He has a career record of 62-59 and a 4.03 ERA. Matz is a solid innings eater who the Cardinals are hoping can provide stability to their rotation.
Tickets
Tickets for the Reds game on April 12 are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets online, by phone, or at the Great American Ball Park box office. Prices start at $10 for outfield seats and $20 for infield seats.
Promotions
The Reds will be hosting several promotions on April 12, including:
- The first 10,000 fans will receive a free Reds hat.
- There will be a post-game fireworks show.
- Fans can meet and greet Reds players and mascots.
Tickets
Ticket Prices
The cost of Reds tickets varies depending on factors such as seat location, day of the week, and opponent. Generally, tickets start at around $15 for a standing-room-only spot and can exceed $100 for premium seats behind home plate. Here’s a breakdown of the different ticket categories and their typical price ranges:
- Standing Room Only (SRO): $15-$25
- Bleachers: $20-$35
- Upper Reserve: $25-$45
- Lower Reserve: $30-$55
- Dugout Box: $40-$75
- Diamond Club: $50-$95
- Grandstand: $60-$100+
Note that ticket prices may be higher for popular games, such as weekend series against division rivals or when the team is in playoff contention. Additionally, discounts are often available for groups, children, and seniors.
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets for Reds games can be purchased through several channels:
- Reds website (reds.com): This is the official site for buying Reds tickets online. Fans can choose their seats, compare prices, and print their tickets at home.
- Ticketmaster: Ticketmaster is the official ticket agent for the Reds. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
- Reds Box Office: Located at Great American Ball Park, the Reds Box Office is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Fans can purchase tickets in person or over the phone at (513) 765-7000.
- StubHub and other resale sites: These sites allow fans to resell tickets they cannot use. Prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.
Parking
For your convenience, there are numerous parking options available near the Great American Ball Park. Whether you prefer a garage, surface lot, or valet service, there’s an option to suit your needs. The parking options are strategically located to ensure a quick and easy walk to the ballpark.
Parking Options
Parking Garages
For a covered and secure parking experience, you can choose from several parking garages in the vicinity of the stadium. The garages typically offer multiple levels of parking, providing ample space for even the busiest game days. The rates for garage parking vary depending on the location and the level of the space. Generally, the closer you are to the ballpark, the higher the parking fees.
Surface Lots
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, surface lots are a great choice. These lots are typically located a bit further away from the stadium, but they offer a more affordable alternative to garage parking. The rates for surface lots vary depending on their distance from the stadium and the popularity of the game.
Valet Parking
For those who prefer a hassle-free experience, valet parking is available at the Great American Ball Park. The valet service is located at the East and West Diamond Clubs, providing convenient access to the stadium. The valet parking fees are typically higher than garage or surface lot parking, but they offer the added convenience of having your car parked for you.
Parking Costs
The parking costs at the Great American Ball Park vary depending on the location, type of parking, and the day of the game. For the most up-to-date information on parking fees, it is recommended to check the official website of the Cincinnati Reds or the website of the specific parking facility you are considering using.
Food and Drinks
Food Options
The Great American Ball Park offers a wide variety of food options to satisfy every taste bud. From classic ballpark fare like hot dogs and peanuts to gourmet burgers and sushi, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the highlights:
* **Hot Dogs:** Reds Dog ($7.50), Knockwurst ($8.50), Kraut Dog ($8.50), Foot Long Dog ($9.50)
* **Burgers:** Cheeseburger ($10.50), Bacon Cheeseburger ($11.50), Triple Cheeseburger ($12.50), BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger ($13.50)
* **Pizza:** Cheese Pizza ($9.50), Pepperoni Pizza ($10.50), Sausage Pizza ($11.50), Veggie Pizza ($12.50)
* **Sushi:** California Roll ($13.50), Spicy Tuna Roll ($14.50), Philadelphia Roll ($15.50), Rainbow Roll ($16.50)
* **Salads:** Cobb Salad ($12.50), Caesar Salad ($11.50), Greek Salad ($10.50), Spinach Salad ($9.50)
Drinks
In addition to food, the Great American Ball Park offers a wide variety of drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. Here are some of the most popular options:
* **Beer:** Budweiser ($7), Bud Light ($7), Michelob Ultra ($8), Corona ($9), Craft Beers ($10-$12)
* **Wine:** Red Wine ($10-$12), White Wine ($10-$12), Champagne ($15)
* **Cocktails:** Margarita ($12), Mojito ($13), Old Fashioned ($14), Moscow Mule ($15)
* **Soft Drinks:** Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist ($5)
Weather
Weather Forecast
According to the latest weather forecast, the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs on April 12th is expected to be played under mostly clear skies with a slight breeze. The temperature at first pitch is predicted to be around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), with a humidity level of about 55%. As the game progresses, the temperature is expected to drop slightly, reaching around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) by the end of the ninth inning. There is a 10% chance of rain during the game.
Impact on the Game
The weather conditions are expected to have a minimal impact on the game. The clear skies will provide good visibility for both the players and the fans. The slight breeze will not be strong enough to affect the flight of the ball. The temperature will be comfortable for both the players and the fans, and the humidity level will not be high enough to cause any problems.
The only potential concern is the rain. If it does rain, the game could be delayed or even postponed. However, the chance of rain is low, so the weather is not expected to have a major impact on the game.
Additional Information
In addition to the weather forecast, here are some other weather-related factors that could affect the game:
- Wind direction: The wind is expected to be blowing from the northwest at 5-10 miles per hour (8-16 kilometers per hour). This could give the Reds a slight advantage, as they will be batting with the wind at their backs.
- Cloud cover: The skies are expected to be mostly clear, with only a few scattered clouds. This will provide good sunlight for the players and the fans.
- Humidity: The humidity level is expected to be around 55%. This is not high enough to cause any problems, but it could make the players sweat more than usual.
- Dew point: The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water. The dew point is expected to be around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). This is not high enough to cause any problems, but it could make the grass wet and slippery.
Pregame Festivities
Pregame Events
Before the Reds take the field, fans can enjoy a variety of pregame festivities at Great American Ball Park. These events provide opportunities to soak up the atmosphere, get pumped up for the game, and connect with fellow Reds fans.
The pregame festivities typically start two hours before the scheduled first pitch. This provides plenty of time to explore the ballpark, grab a bite to eat, and take part in the various activities.