MLB Game of the Day 8/4: Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds

08 / 04 / 2023 By Ally Mielnicki

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Exciting opportunities await with MLB betting in Tennessee, with the start of the three-game series between the Washington Nationals (46-63) and Cincinnati Reds (59-52). Despite their recent matchups last month, can the Reds maintain their dominance in this clash?

When: Game 1 on August 4, 2023 at 6:40 PM ET

Where: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio

Washington Nationals Preview

The Nationals are 24.5 games back in the NL East behind the leading Atlanta Braves, so no shot at the playoffs this year. They have gone 3-2 over their previous five games, which includes good wins against the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets. Patrick Corbin is on the mound for game one and is 7-11 this year (ERA 5.07, WHIP 1.53).

With a .259 batting average, they possess scoring potential at the plate, but there is always room for improvement. While they do well at the plate, they allow their opponents to average .273, which might be a reason for their lack of success this year.

Their .318 on-base percentage demonstrates their ability to get on base effectively. However, their pitching stumbles with an ERA of 4.92 and raises some concerns as they head into this series.

The Nationals have gone 5-5 over their last 10 games, typically winning a game then losing the next. They are 24-29 on the road and 58-45 as the underdog.

Cincinnati Reds Preview

The Reds continue to remain in second in the NL Central, sitting at a half game behind the leading Milwaukee Brewers. They have gone 2-3 over their last five matchups, which included three straight horrendous losses to the Chicago Cubs where they allowed 41 runs in those three defeats. Graham Ashcraft is their starting pitcher for game one, but is 6-7 this year (5.31 ERA, 1.50 WHIP).

Their performance at the plate this season has been commendable, boasting a .253 batting average. Nevertheless, their opponents have managed an even higher average at .262, which is still better than the Nationals.

With a solid on-base percentage of .330, they exhibit impressive batting performances to create scoring opportunities. However, their ERA of 4.85 is only marginally better than the Nationals and is still a concern.

The Reds have gone 4-6 over their last 10 games against teams they should have done better against. They are 28-26 at home and are 13-12 as the favorite.

Betting Odds

ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook gives you the best opportunity to bet in Tennessee on this matchup. The following odds show that the Reds are moderate favorites to win game one.

Washington Nationals: +165

Cincinnati Reds: -190

Totals: Over 10.5 (-110), Under 10.5 (-110)

The Reds are 4-0 against the Nationals this year and have had no problems scoring runs. Overall, the Reds have put up 25 runs compared to the Nationals’ 12. They have also scored 76 more runs this season on less hits compared to the Nationals, which shows they utilize their offense better.

Photo Credit: © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

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