Brett Kennedy is making his first start of the season as the Cincinnati Reds (46-39) take on the Washington Nationals (34-50) at Nationals Park on Tuesday.
The Reds took Monday’s series opener 3-2. Starter Luke Weaver got the win, allowing two runs on six hits over five innings, and Alexis Diaz earned his 24th save with a scoreless ninth.
Tyler Stephenson was 2 for 3 with one RBI in the win. Jeimer Candelario’s hitting streak hit 10 as he went 1 for 3 with a home run and two runs for the Nationals.
ON THE MOUND
Kennedy is set to start for Cincinnati, his season debut. For Washington, lefty Patrick Corbin (5-9, 4.93 ERA) gets the ball. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds.
Corbin made two appearances against the Reds in 2022, both as the starter, striking out 10 and walking one over 12 innings (2-0, 3.00). In his last start on Wednesday, Corbin got the win on the road against the Mariners. He threw seven scoreless innings and gave up five hits, striking out nine, in the 4-1 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged 6.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 5.0, thanks in part to greater slugging (.439 vs .412). Against lefties like Corbin this season, the Reds have a .757 OPS.
Spencer Steer is the team’s most productive hitter against left-handers with a .980 OPS in 81 at-bats. Washington is averaging only 3.4 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.1 for the season.
The Nats have a .685 OPS against righties in 2023, the fifth lowest in MLB. With a .894 OPS over 208 at-bats, Candelario has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cincinnati is on a three-game winning streak away from Great American Ball Park, bringing their record to 23-18 in 2023. The Reds have scored 4.9 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.7 runs.
Washington has gone 13-28 at Nationals Park this season, averaging 3.6 runs per game while surrendering 5.3. In the last 10 games at Nationals Park between the teams, each club has won five, though Washington has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.3-4.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Reds lead the NL Central by zero games over the Reds. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 23 games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cincinnati Reds (-120)
Want up to a $1K risk-free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information, and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
