Series Preview: Nationals @ Reds
The red-hot Washington National’s have gallivanted to the Queen City to take on the Cincinnati Reds; whom despite their name, are anything but red-hot.
The Reds have only danced in victory once in the last 13 days. Keep in mind that there have been three days of rest during that span; however, the brief time away from the diamond has not helped the Reds. The team has lost both games after its off day.
The Reds are sitting at 19-27 while posting a 1-10 record over their last 11. The Nationals on the other hand are boasting a 28-19 mark, while winning eight of their last 10.
As far as the, “stars are aligning” theory goes, the Reds are in for some trouble. The Nationals are top five in the NL in ERA (3.53) and going against a team that ranks 14th in the National league in runs scored. Meanwhile, the Nationals also lead the National League in runs cored and Cincinnati ranks 13th in team ERA (4.32).
Today’s Line Up:
- SS, Zack Cozart
- 1B, Joey Votto
- 3B, Todd Frazier
- RF, Jay Bruce
- C, Brayan Pena
- LF, Marlon Byrd
- 2B, Skip Schumaker
- P, Anthony DeSclafani
- CF, Billy Hamilton
Brandon Phillips is missing again from the line up tonight with Turf Toe, and Billy Hamilton will continue to hit out of the ninth spot. Regardless, the Nats are in the Nati, and sports do not always go as planned. Maybe the Reds will surprise anyone who has paid an ounce of attention to baseball this season, and win.
Probables:
Game 1
- CIN, Anthony DeSclafani (2-4, 3.46)
- WAS, Stephen Strasburg (3-5, 6.50)
Game 2
- CIN, Raisel Iglesias (1-1, 4.26)
- WAS, Gio Gonzalez (4-2, 4.53)
Game 3
- CIN, TBD
- WAS, Tanner Roark (1-2, 2.49)