In the second of a three-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (20-35) and the Washington Nationals (33-22) at the Great American Ball Park, Dan Straily (3-2, 3.43 ERA) and Stephen Strasburg (9-0, 2.69 ERA) get the ball. The Reds won the last game 7-2, and Cincinnati leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jun. 4 and will air on MASN and FSOH.
In his most recent outing, Straily pitched 6.0 innings, allowing five runs, striking out four and walking three in an 11-8 victory over the Rockies. Adam Duvall (.266, 28 Rs, 15 HRs, 32 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. The Nationals were also victorious the last time Strasburg pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out four and walking two in a 10-2 victory over the Cardinals. Bryce Harper (.242, 32 Rs, 13 HRs, 34 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Over their past 10 games, Cincinnati’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The most recent 10 game stretch for Cincinnati’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Cincinnati’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 7.0 strikeouts per game.
They sport the fifth-ranked offense in the NL, averaging four runs per game. The Nationals average 3.6 walks per road game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL when they travel. Washington’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking second in the NL with only 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.125 on the year, good for third in the league.
The only other game between the two teams went Cincinnati’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
The Reds are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Nationals have a record of 13-13 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 4-27. The Nationals have a 5-15 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 12th in home runs, Cincinnati has hit 66 this season. Washington ranks fifth with 72 home runs.
Ranking 26th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.76 per game. Washington ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 8.20.
Ranking 22nd, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.710). Washington ranks in the top half at 12th with an OPS of .737.
When the Nationals allow at least one home run, they are 20-19. When the Reds allow one or more homers, they have a 15-28 record.
