The Washington Nationals host the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon to close a three-game series at Nationals Park. First pitch is set for 12:05 PM ET. Washington has taken the first two games, 10-8 and 6-1, and will try for its first sweep since May.
Washington has won just three of its last 14 series, but this one is already secured. Cincinnati has lost three straight and is 1-4 against the Nationals this season. The Reds are still alive in the NL Wild Card race and are trying to avoid being swept for the first time in 2025.
Nationals Preview – Can They Get the Sweep?
Michael Soroka starts for Washington with a 3-7 record and 5.10 ERA. He hasn’t won a game since June 6, and the Nationals have lost his last seven starts. Soroka gave up just one run over five innings in his last outing against San Diego.
Josh Bell homered for the second straight game Tuesday and is batting .346 over his last 15 games. Riley Adams drove in a pair with a key hit, and the bullpen threw five shutout innings. Washington’s offense has scored 16 runs in the first two games of the series.
The Nationals used Brad Lord as an opener on Tuesday and got good bullpen work from Konnor Pilkington, Luis Garcia, and Andry Lara. Manager Miguel Cairo is managing workloads closely, spreading out innings across multiple arms. Washington is 1-1 against Lodolo all-time.
Reds Preview – Trying to Avoid First Sweep
Nick Lodolo starts for the Reds with a 7-6 record and a 3.33 ERA. He has allowed two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts. He tossed seven innings of two-run ball against the Mets on July 18 but has struggled against the Nationals, going 0-2 with a 6.67 ERA in three career starts.
Gavin Lux went 4-for-4 in Tuesday’s game and is 11-for-24 over his last six games. He has three multi-hit games in that stretch and is one of the few Reds hitters producing consistently. Cincinnati has failed to string hits together during the series despite some solid contact.
The Reds are still above .500 and pushing for a Wild Card spot. However, the offense has been cold lately, scoring just one run in Tuesday’s game. Cincinnati hasn’t been swept all year and will try to keep that streak alive behind their lefty starter.
Betting Prediction
Washington is a slight underdog despite winning the first two games. Soroka has pitched better lately, but his winless streak is hard to ignore. Lodolo has the edge in starting pitching, but the Nationals’ offense has been hotter.
Trends point to Washington carrying momentum into the finale. Cincinnati’s bats have gone quiet, and Washington is getting contributions throughout the lineup and bullpen. Back the Nationals to finish the sweep in a close one.
Pick: Nationals +105
