Max Scherzer (12-12, 2.98 ERA), attemping to pick up his 200th strikeout of the season, is on the hill for the Washington Nationals (79-76) as they square off against Brandon Finnegan (4-1, 3.65 ERA) and the Cincinnati Reds (63-92) in the first of a one-game series at Nationals Park. The Reds come into this series in the midst of an eight-game losing streak. Action begins at 3:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 28 and can be seen on FSOH and MASN.
Scherzer pitched 6.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs, striking out 12 and walking two in a 4-3 defeat to the Orioles. Ryan Zimmerman (.249, 43 Rs, 16 HRs, 73 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run. Finnegan went 5.0 innings, surrendering six runs, striking out seven and walking one in a 10-2 defeat to the Cardinals in his most recent start. Joey Votto (.318, 94 Rs, 29 HRs, 78 RBIs, 11 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Washington, a substantial -192 favorite, takes on Cincinnati. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of seven runs. The Nationals have an overall money line of -1,741 and a record as the favorite of 66-49. The Nationals have no trouble scoring as they rank third in the NL in offense with 4.4 runs per game. Washington is one of the best in the NL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.4 per game. As for the pitchers, the Nationals are the fifth-best team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 8.3 hits per game to their opponents this season.
In the other locker room, Cincinnati is coming in with an overall money line of -2,525 and a disappointing record of 34-65 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 2-7 record, and a 2-8 record SU. The Reds are an excellent base-stealing team with an MLB-best 131 stolen bases. The Reds allow 4.6 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 6.6 runs per game during that span.
The Reds lead the season series, 5-0. The Nationals have a 19-16 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Finnegan takes the mound. Scherzer (RHP) will be on the hill against the Reds, who have a 49-68 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Washington is 36-35, while Cincinnati is 23-36.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Reds are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Nationals have a 31-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 48-18. The Nationals have a 62-11 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 24th in runs, Cincinnati has earned 625 this season. Washington ranks seventh with 689 runs.
Ranking eighth, Cincinnati is in the top 10 of the league in walks, notching 482 this season. Washington ranks in the top five at fourth with 525.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 61-39. When the Reds hit at least one homer, they have a 54-45 record.
