The Cincinnati Reds are making a road trip to Washington to square off against the Nationals at Nationals Park. This NL matchup will begin at 7:05 p.m. ET and fans looking to watch it can tune in to Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals Odds
Cincinnati (+165) is coming into this one as the underdog against Washington (-175) and Vegas has set the Over/Under for this one at nine runs. The odds for wagering on the game’s total sit at +100 for the under and -120 for the over. Bettors can also wager on the game’s spread with the runline odds standing at -135 for the Reds +1.5 runs and +115 for the Nationals -1.5.
The Reds are 47-59 SU and are 63-45 against the spread (ATS). The team hasn’t moved the needle a whole lot this year, losing 3.3 units for gamblers taking the moneyline, despite having gained 7.0 units ATS. Cincinnati has covered the spread five times in its last seven games and the over has hit in four of those seven. The Nationals, on the other hand, are 53-52 SU and 51-56 ATS. They’ve lost 18.5 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 7.5 units ATS. Washington has covered the spread five times in its last seven games and the total has gone over in four of those seven.
Washington games have an over/under record of 44-61-2 in 2018. Cincinnati has been a decent over bet with a total record of 57-47-4.
Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani is the probable starter for the visiting Reds. DeSclafani is 4-3 with a 5.47 ERA and 48 strikeouts. He has yet to face the Nationals this year and did not record a start against them in 2017, either.
The Nationals will turn to lefty Gio Gonzalez (6-7, 3.78 ERA) to the mound. Gonzalez has 103 strikeouts and 57 walks to his name, as well as a WHIP of 1.45. Gonzalez is 1-0 with seven strikeouts and a 1.50 ERA in one start against Cincinnati this year.
Cincinnati’s pitching staff allowed 5.2 runs per game and its starters own a 5.26 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 7.48 K/9. The bullpen has managed an ERA of 4.15, along with a K-per-9 of 7.88.
The Reds offense has slashed .258/.341/.403 on its way to 4.7 runs scored per game in 2018, including 3.6 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 5.4 per game over the team’s last five outings (3-2 SU).
Cincinnati’s offense has been sparked by second baseman Scooter Gennett and shortstop Jose Peraza. Gennett is slashing .313/.364/.501 with 17 home runs, 67 RBIs and 64 runs scored, while Peraza is hitting .284 with five homers, 35 RBIs, 55 runs and 17 stolen bases.
For the home team, Washington’s pitching staff has allowed 4.0 runs per game overall in 2018. Its starters have an ERA of 3.94, a WHIP of 1.23 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 9.3. The bullpen has a 3.67 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 8.7 K/9.
Washington’s hitters have put up 4.4 runs per outing, including 5.4 per game over its last 10 games and 6.4 per game over their last five. The team has slashed .262/.362/.465 over its last five contests and is 4-1 SU during that span.
The Nationals’ offense has been led by shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Anthony Rendon. Turner is hitting .270/.342/.413 with 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, 66 runs and 28 stolen bases, while Rendon’s line is .288/.350/.523 with 16 homers, 53 RBIs and 50 runs.
The Reds have gained 1.0 units and are 17-11 ATS when facing a lefty starter this season. The over has hit in 17 of those games, compared to 10 that’ve gone under in such games. On the other hand, the Nationals have lost 4.7 units and are 40-38 ATS when facing a righty starter. The over has cashed in 31 of those games, compared to 46 that’ve gone under.
Cincinnati Reds at Washington Nationals MLB Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Nationals, ATS Winner – Reds, O/U – OVER
