The Cincinnati Reds are on the verge of being swept by the lowly Washington Nationals when they wrap up their 3-game set in a matinée today at Nationals Park. The 52-50 Reds are very much alive in the NL wild card battle and Terry Francona will have his guys ready this afternoon. Cincinnati is expected to hand the ball to Nick Lodolo and he has been steady at 7-6 with a respectable 3.33 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. Washington will look to Michael Soroka to throw strikes, and his numbers are not good. Soroka is 3-7 with a 5.10 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. The Reds cannot afford to be swept by the 41-60 Nationals if they want to see the post-season and they know that. The Big Red Machine scores more runs than the Nationals, gives up less, and should right the ship today.
TODAY’S PICK: CINCINNATI REDS