The Cincinnati Reds (45-39) and the Washington Nationals (34-49) begin a 4-game set Monday at Nationals Park. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Reds vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting in 2023; Nationals won 4-3 in 2022
The Reds are tied for 1st place in the NL Central with the Milwaukee Brewers heading into the new week. Cincinnati took 2 of 3 games from San Diego at Great American Ball Park over the weekend, including a 4-3 victory Sunday, and the Red Legs have picked up 16 wins in their past 20 games dating back to June 10.
The Nationals took 2 of 3 games from the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend in the City of Brotherly Love, including a 5-4 win in the finale on Sunday. Washington has shown some “Natitude” lately, winning 6 of its last 8 games.
Reds at Nationals projected starters
RHP Luke Weaver vs. RHP Jake Irvin
Weaver (1-2, 6.96 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.61 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 across 64 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K in an 11-7 road win vs. the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday
- 2023 road splits: 0-2, 6.11 ERA (35 1/3 IP, 24 ER – 5 HR) with a .322 opponent batting average (OBA) in 7 starts
Irvin (1-4, 4.72 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 1.49 WHIP, 4.7 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 47 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K in a 7-4 road win vs. the Seattle Mariners Tuesday
- 2023 home splits: 0-3, 5.28 ERA (30 2/3 IP, 18 ER) with a .248 OBA in 7 starts
Reds at Nationals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Reds -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Nationals +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Reds -1.5 (+120) | Nationals +1.5 (-145)
- Over/Under (O/U): 10 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Reds at Nationals picks and predictions
Prediction
Nationals 6, Reds 5
Moneyline
The NATIONALS (+105) are a solid play as home ‘dogs, although this will be a nail-biter with a lot of runs and likely plenty of lead changes.
Both starting pitchers in this matchup are very shaky, so no lead will be safe. Washington should be able to keep its positive momentum going against Weaver, who has easily been the weakest link in the Cincinnati rotation.
Run line/Against the spread
The NATIONALS +1.5 (-145) aren’t priced out of line if you just can’t pick Washington straight up and would prefer a little insurance instead.
The Nats are just 28-64 in the past 92 home games — just a .304 winning percentage — but they’ve won 4 of the past 5 games overall and have toppled Cincinnati 27 times in their last 39 meetings in D.C.
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Over/Under
OVER 10 (-115) is a solid play as Weaver and Irvin have been extremely giving. Weaver has a 6.11 ERA and .322 OBA across 35 1/3 innings across 7 road starts and Irvin has a 5.28 ERA across 30 2/3 innings in 7 home outings.
Those numbers suggest we should see plenty of offense, and additionally, batters will be aided by a 7-10 mph wind blowing out to the right-center field power alley.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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