The Washington Nationals (34-52) host the Cincinnati Reds (48-39) at Nationals Park on Thursday with the visitors in position to sweep the four-game series.
The Reds lead the series 3-0 after winning 9-2 on Wednesday. Starter Graham Ashcraft got the win, allowing one run on seven hits over six innings.
Elly De La Cruz was 3 for 6 with a home run and two doubles in the win. He scored two runs. Joey Votto went 3 for 5 with a home run and two runs. Lane Thomas went 2 for 4 with one run for the Nationals.
ON THE MOUND
Brandon Williamson (1-2, 5.56 ERA) is slated to start for Cincinnati. The LHP allowed two runs over five innings in his last start, a 12-5 road defeat against the Padres on Saturday.
He was charged with the loss, giving up three hits while striking out five and walking one. Left-hander MacKenzie Gore (4-7, 4.48 ERA) takes the mound for Washington.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds. Gore made two appearances against the Reds in 2022, both as the starter, striking out 17 and walking four over 10 innings (2-0, 0.90).
In his last start on Saturday, Gore took the loss on the road against the Phillies. He threw 2.2 innings and gave up seven runs on six hits, striking out three and walking three in the 19-4 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged 5.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 5.0. Against left-handed pitchers like Gore this season, the Reds have a .776 OPS, fifth highest in MLB.
Spencer Steer is the team’s strongest performer against left-handers with a 1.009 OPS in 85 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 .763 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.116 OPS over 104 at-bats, Thomas has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cincinnati is on a five-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 25-18 in 2023. The Reds have scored 5.0 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.6 runs.
Washington has lost four in a row in front of their home fans. The Nats are 13-30 at home this season, averaging 3.6 runs per game while surrendering 5.5.
Cincinnati is 7-3 in the last 10 games at Nationals Park between the teams with an average scoreline of 5.0-3.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Reds lead the NL Central by two games over the Brewers. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 24 games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cincinnati Reds (+100)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
