Reds vs. Nationals Prediction
After a rainout last night, the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals will play a day-night doubleheader today. Will Washington stay hot after an unplanned day off and sweep today’s games?
Game Snapshot
957 Cincinnati Reds at 958 Washington Nationals (Game 2)
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Nationals Park at 1:05PM ET (Game 1); 7:05PM ET (Game 2)
TV: FS-O (CIN)
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Public Betting Information
Odds have not yet been released for either game as of this writing. Check out our MLB Live Odds for the latest updates, while our MLB Public Betting Page shows where bettors are placing their money.
Pitching matchups announced
After last night’s rainout, the Reds and Nationals will use those projected starting pitchers for this afternoon’s doubleheader opener. Anthony DeSclafani (4-3, 5.47 ERA) will get the nod for Cincinnati, while Washington turns to Gio Gonzalez (6-7, 3.78). DeSclafani has failed to make it through five innings in his last three starts, most recently allowing three earned runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and two walks over 4 1/3 innings in a home start versus Philadelphia. Gonzalez has had his own share of struggles, although he has pitched well in two of his last three starts. He is coming off a seven-inning showing at Miami, surrendering one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts and four walks.
Game 2 pitchers
In the second game of the doubleheader, Matt Harvey (5-6, 5.13) will go for the Reds while the Nats counter with Jeremy Hellickson (4-2, 3.59). Harvey has had his moments with Cincinnati, although he was hammered for eight earned runs in 3 2/3 innings in a home start against Pittsburgh on July 22. He bounced back his last start by giving up two earned runs on two hits with five strikeouts and two walks over five innings in a home start July 28 versus Philadelphia. Hellickson hasn’t fooled many batters lately, giving up a combined six earned runs on 15 hits over 9 2/3 innings his last two starts with seven strikeouts and one walk.
MLB Betting Trends
Cincinnati
The over is 12-3-1 in the last 16 Reds road games. Cincinnati is 12-26 in its last 38 Saturday games.
Washington
The Nationals are 6-2 in their last eight games overall. Washington is 14-2 in the last 16 meetings.
Prediction:
There will probably be a lot of runs scored today considering the two offenses and the starting pitchers. I’ll have to see the over-under in game one before making a determination, but with those two starters I’m definitely thinking we’re in for a shootout. As for the second contest, Hellickson is usually solid enough to get the job done and with a red-hot Washington offense, I don’t think Harvey will have enough in the arsenal to keep the hosts at bay.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: REDS/NATIONALS OVER (Game 1); NATIONALS (Game 2)