Elly De La Cruz’s 443-foot home run into the bullpen sent a few Padres relievers scrambling out of the way and Nick Lodolo combined with two relievers on a four-hitter and struck out 11 as the Cincinnati Reds beat San Diego 5-2.

Despite a 4-3 loss Sunday to the Texas Rangers, the Cincinnati Reds feel pretty good about their current situation as they open a three-game series Monday night in San Diego.

Lodolo is 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in three starts since returning from the injured list. He's coming off a no-decision in the Reds 7-4 victory over the Phillies.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Cincinnati Reds vs. San Diego Padres MLB game to be played on April 29, 2024 on ESPN.

The Padres have myriad problems. It can be argued that it is a toss up as to which is their biggest. Their No.2 and No.4 hitters (not to mention the guy who was their lead-off hitter and is now batting fifth) all have offensive numbers well below what their salaries and past performance suggest they should be.