Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals: Game Preview
The Cincinnati Reds are set to face the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park this Friday evening at 6:45 PM ET. Both teams come into this game with similar challenges, trying to climb up their respective division standings.
The Reds hold a season record of 47-50 and are positioned 4th in the NL Central, trailing the Brewers by eight games. Despite their middle-ground performance this season, the Reds are marked as favorites to win the upcoming game. This optimism is perhaps bolstered by their recent form, boasting a 4-1 record over their past five away games.
In contrast, the Nationals, with a season record of 44-53, sit 4th in the NL East, significantly behind the Phillies by 18.5 games. Marked as +105 underdogs, the Nationals still possess a fighting spirit, holding a 62% projected chance of victory despite facing tough odds. Their recent home performance, however, has been somewhat lackluster, with a 2-3 record over their last five games at Nationals Park.
Pitching Matchup: Montas vs. Corbin
The Reds will be sending Frankie Montas to the mound. Montas, who has a 4-7 record and a 4.38 ERA over 17 starts this season, will aim to bounce back from his previous struggle against the Rockies, where he gave up five earned runs in seven innings. His performance will be crucial, as fans and analysts alike look to see if he can regain form and anchor the Reds' defense.
For the Nationals, Patrick Corbin will take the mound. Corbin, with a 4-9 record and a 5.57 ERA across 19 starts, has had a turbulent season. He has conceded at least one home run in each of his last four outings. However, Corbin has demonstrated potential flashes of brilliance, such as his seven scoreless innings back on June 24th. He is projected to finish this game with five strikeouts, and his ability to control the game will be pivotal for the Nationals.
Team Trends and Key Players
The Reds have shown resilience in away games, evidenced by their 30-14 performance on the run line when on the road. Overall, they possess a 53-44 record on the run line. Despite their favored status and recent strong performances on the road, they'll need to overcome recent setbacks. In their last game, the Reds lost 3-2 to the Marlins. Nick Lodolo allowed two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings, and Elly De La Cruz provided a moment of excitement with a home run in the first inning.
On the Nationals' side, they have a notable 46-34 record against the run line as underdogs. Still, the team has shown inconsistency, seen in their 3-7 record over the last 10 games. In their last matchup, the Nationals suffered a sizable defeat against the Brewers, losing 9-3, with Jake Irvin giving up six earned runs in just four innings. Despite the loss, the Nationals managed to win two out of three games in their most recent series against Milwaukee, indicating their capability to bounce back.
Batting and Offense
Offensively, the Reds are averaging 4.5 runs per game, positioning them 14th in the league. They hold a batting average of .231, ranking 17th in on-base percentage and 25th in strikeouts. Spencer Steer stands out, having driven in 60 runs and hit 15 homers, placing him 10th in RBIs across MLB. The battle for runs will be crucial, especially with key absentees like Joey Gallo, Luke Maile, and Matt McLain.
The Nationals average 4.1 runs per game, a figure that ranks them 23rd in the league, though they average 4.2 runs per game at home. With a batting average of .239, they rank 13th in on-base percentage. CJ Abrams leads the team with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs, but he has been in a slump, going 3/21 in his last five games. The Nationals will also need to cope without notable players such as Trevor Williams, Josiah Gray, and CJ Abrams.
Game Dynamics and Projections
Both teams are set for a competitive game under the Friday night lights. Given the Reds' favored status and the Nationals' tenacity as underdogs, this matchup promises to be an intriguing contest. The over/under for the game is set at nine runs, with the Reds having a 2-16-3 record when the over/under is set at nine runs and the Nationals holding a 7-7-2 record under similar conditions.
This context of resilient underdogs and favored visitors sets an exciting backdrop for the game. As the Reds and Nationals clash at Nationals Park, fans will be eagerly watching to see who can capitalize on their opportunities and take a crucial step in their respective campaigns.