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Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals: Fireworks Expected in Washington

On this 4th of July, the Cincinnati Reds take on the Washington Nationals in what promises to be an electrifying game at Nationals Park. With the Reds looking solid this season and the Nationals struggling, particularly at home, there’s potential for an action-packed game.

Cincinnati Reds:

Pitching Analysis:

Brett Kennedy is expected to start for the Reds. As of now, his statistics are not available, indicating that he might be a new addition to the rotation or have limited experience this season. This uncertainty can often result in higher-scoring games.

Hitting Analysis:

Spencer Steer has been leading the charge for the Reds, with 14 home runs, a .282 batting average, and 50 RBIs. The Reds have a team batting average of .255 and have scored a total of 421 runs this season.

Injuries:

Ben Lively and Nick Lodolo are both on the injured list for the Reds, potentially impacting their pitching depth.

Washington Nationals:

Pitching Analysis:

Patrick Corbin is slated to pitch for the Nationals. With a 5-9 record and an ERA of 4.84, Corbin has struggled this season. His WHIP of 1.54 suggests he has allowed too many base runners, which is a potential recipe for runs.

Hitting Analysis:

Lane Thomas is the man to watch, with a .302 batting average, 14 home runs, and 44 RBIs. The Nationals have a slightly better team batting average than the Reds at .261, but have scored fewer runs with a total of 346.

Injuries:

The Nationals have several players on the injured list, including Sean Doolittle, Victor Robles, Carl Edwards Jr., and Thaddeus Ward, impacting both their pitching and hitting depth.

Final Prediction:

Betting on over 9.5 runs is the best bet, and here’s why:

1. Unstable Pitching: With Corbin’s struggles and the uncertainty surrounding Kennedy who will make his first appearance in the majors and had a 3.71 ERA in the minors so the pitching matchup leans toward high-scoring game.
2. Power Hitting: Both teams have power hitters like Spencer Steer and Lane Thomas who can add to the scoreboard.
3. Warm Weather: The weather in Washington D.C. is expected to be around 78 degrees, which is often conducive to hitters as the ball carries well in warm weather.

Expect fireworks on and off the field this 4th of July at Nationals Park. Keep an eye on the ESPN PickCenter for expert analysis and updates!