The Washington Nationals (34-51) host the Cincinnati Reds (47-39) at Nationals Park on Wednesday. The Reds lead the series 2-0 after winning 8-4 on Tuesday.
Starter Brett Kennedy went five innings for the win, allowing four runs on five hits, and Lucas Sims picked up his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth.
Jonathan India was 3 for 6 with two home runs, three runs, and three RBIs in the win. Spencer Steer went 4 for 4 with one run and one RBI. CJ Abrams went 2 for 3 with two doubles and two runs for the Nationals.
ON THE MOUND
Graham Ashcraft (3-6, 6.66 ERA) is slated for the start for Cincinnati. The RHP allowed one run over 6.2 innings in his last start, a 7-5 road win over the Padres on Friday. He scattered three hits while striking out seven and walking two in the no-decision.
Ashcraft is making his first appearance against the Nationals this season. Ashcraft made one start against the Nationals in 2022, an 8-1 home victory on June 2. He surrendered one run on four hits over seven innings, striking out five and walking one.
Right-hander Josiah Gray (6-6, 3.30 ERA) is on the mound for Washington. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds. Gray made one start against the Reds in 2022, throwing six innings in an 8-5 road win on June 3. He gave up two hits and walked three while striking out nine in the win.
In his last start on Friday, Gray got the win on the road against the Phillies. He threw six innings and gave up one run on six hits, striking out eight and walking one in the 2-1 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged 5.4 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 5.0. Against right-handed pitchers like Gray this season, the Reds have a .743 OPS.
Jake Fraley is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .923 OPS in 187 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 right-handers in 2023, the fifth lowest in MLB. With a .894 OPS over 208 at-bats, Jeimer Candelario has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cincinnati is on a four-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 24-18 in 2023. The Reds have scored 5.0 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.6 runs. Washington has lost three in a row at Nationals Park.
The Nats are 13-29 at home this season, averaging 3.6 runs per game while surrendering 5.4. Cincinnati is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Nationals Park with an average scoreline of 4.2-4.0.
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 (-125)
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.
