Washington vs Cincinnati | Predictions

Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds
7:10 PM, Wednesday July 21  – ESPN

Pitching Probables: Stephen Strasburg vs. Bronson Arroyo

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The Nationals have lost four in a row entering tonight’s contest including the first two games of this series against the Reds.  In fact they have looked pretty awful since Strasburg’s last start against Florida which was also their last victory (a 4-0 shutout).  In his short major league career Strasburg has definitely proven to have the talent to be a start but it is unfair that he has to be the losing streak buster over and over again.  His last outing was his first in the majors where he didn’t allow a run, he didn’t crack double digits in Ks but gave up a scant 4 hits.  This will be the Reds first chance to see him up close and will be a good challenge as the Reds are a high scoring team averaging a shade under 5 runs per game.  Despite the focus on Strasburg the rumors are true that the Nats do actuallyhave some hitters on their team.   But their big bats, Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman have been mostly silent since the All-Star break.

Despite winning 4 of 5 since the All-Star break the Reds lost their grip on first place in the NL Central to the rival Cardinals who ave been perfect in that stretch.  This team, led by Joey Votto, loves to mash, but when they don’t they really struggle – they have been shutout in their last three losses, while averaging 6.5 runs in their last 4 victories.  Starter Bronson Arroyo leads the team in wins and his having a nice season.  His last three outings have all been quality starts and he gave up only 2 runs in 8 innings when facing the Nationals at the beginning of June.  If the Reds lineup can get to Strasburg he has a very good chance of beating them again.

Prediction:  Strasburg should deliver another fantastic performance but when he leaves the game the Reds will pounce.  Arroyo will work deeper and be good enough to win.

Score Prediction:

Cincinnati Reds – 5
Washington Nationals – 2

The odds makers have the Nationals as –1-½ – favorites with a run total of 7.

Washington Nationals Betting Trends:

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington’s last 6 games
• Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
• Washington is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games on the road
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington’s last 6 games on the road

Cincinnati Reds Betting Trends:

• Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
• Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
• Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
• Cincinnati is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Washington