Reds-Nationals Game 3 Preview

WASHINGTON- The Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals will close their three game series, later this afternoon as both teams look to earn a series victory.

Cincinnati made two errors Monday but are able to hang on for a 4-3 win in 15 innings. On Tuesday, the Reds made four errors, three of which led to runs and hurt them as the Nationals cruised  to a 9-4 victory against Reds ace Johnny Cueto, who gave up eight runs, six earned in 5 1/3 innings.

The Reds will look for a much-needed series’ victory, which is hard to come by from this team this season.

Alfredo Simon will toe the rubber for the Reds looking to build upon an impressive outing his last time out, when he blanked the Phillies over 7 2/3 innings while striking out eight. Nationals will counter with right-hander Tanner Roark and is looking to win his second straight start.

Roark worked hard during the offseason of 2012 and had his best season in ’13. He went a combined 16-4 with a 2.60 ERA for Triple-A Syracuse and Washington. That made Roark a candidate for the rotation this year, and he was on the Opening Day roster after teammate Doug Fister suffered a strained lat before the start of the regular season.

First pitch is at 4:05pm, TV: FSN OHIO, RADIO: 700 WLW.

May 10, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Alfredo Simon (31) pitches during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports