Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals Prediction 3-31-24 Picks

The Washington Nationals and the Cincinnati Reds meet Sunday in MLB action from Great American Ball Park. Here’s a Nationals vs Reds prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for the game. We will examine:

• The Washington Nationals recent form and player performance
• The Cincinnati Reds recent form and player performance
• Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Washington Nationals
• Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Cincinnati Reds
• Recent betting trends in games played between the Nationals and Reds
• A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Nationals vs Reds game

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Nationals came out on the losing end of Thursday’s opener, falling behind 7-0 early and ultimately falling 8-2. Starter Josiah Gray was roughed up for seven earned in 4.0 innings. In the Saturday game, the Nationals scored three in the ninth to cap a 7-6 comeback win. Keibert Ruiz was the star on three hits, three RBI and a homer in the victory.

As starter for Sunday’s finale, the Nationals are sending out Jake Irvin. In his first season of action last year, Irvin went 3-7 overall with a 4.61 ERA in 24 starts. He struck out 99 batters in 121.0 innings total, giving up 118 hits and 62 earned runs. The Nats will take on the Pirates after this series.

Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview

Over on the Reds’ side, they had a nice offensive outing Thursday with 10 team hits. Nick Martini accounted for two homers and five RBI all by himself. On Saturday Cincinnati was up 6-4 going into the ninth inning but couldn’t hang on. Both Nick Martini and Luke Maile had two RBI each.

It’ll be Nick Martinez on the mound for the start Sunday. Across 63 games (nine starts) in 2023, Martinez notched a 6-4 record with a 3.43 ERA and 106 Ks in 110.1 innings total. In his career Martinez is 27-38 with a 4.31 ERA in 198 games (87 starts total). The Reds will play against the Phillies following this series.

Cincinnati Reds Team Facts

• The Reds have lost each of their last 10 day games against the Nationals following a home loss.
• The Reds have failed to cover the run line in each of their last eight games as favorites against the Nationals following a home loss.
• The Reds have led after 5 innings in each of their last five home games against NL East opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Reds’ last five day games at Great American Ball Park.
• The Reds have led after 7 innings in each of their last six home day games.

Washington Nationals Team Facts

• The Nationals have lost each of their last eight games against National League opponents following a win.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in each of their last nine games as underdogs following a win.
• The Nationals have trailed after 7 innings in each of their last four games.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Nationals’ last four day games against NL Central opponents.

Nationals vs Reds Prediction

I’ll lean toward the Reds here. Martinez notched the first winning season of his career in 2023 (6-4), as well as his lowest ERA (3.43). If he can translate that success into a consistent starter role, Cincinnati will benefit greatly. On Saturday the Reds had some major issues with the bullpen, as three of the five arms gave up at least one earned run. That said, Cincinnati was in a position to win late in the game. I like the Reds to bounce back in the finale, provided the pen can overcome the game two loss.