SATURDAY FIRST 5 INNINGS PLAY (YTD 0-7)

[jimmythegreek]

Washington/Cincinnati over 4 even:

In yesterday's opener of this 3 game series, Joey Votto and Todd Frazier each launched solo HR's highlighting a 3 run 6th, and Anthony Desclafani got back on the winning track with 6 strong innings lifting the Reds to a 5-2 victory. It was his first win since April 20th. Stephen Strasburg lasted just 16 pitches because of a stiff neck leading to Taylor Jordan who took the loss yielding 3 ER on 6 hits in 4 2/3 IP. The Nationals left 13 runners on base and could not capitalize on various opportunities to score especially late. Aroldis Chapman picked up his 8th save locking up just the Reds second win in their last 12 games.

 

The Nats give the ball to Gio Gonzalez (4-2 4.53) this afternoon. He's gone 1-0 in his last 3 starts with a 6.63 ERA, however looked more like himself in his last outing. He yielded just a run on 7 hits in 6.3 IP in a 4-1 win at Nationals Park last week against Philadelphia. The 29 year old southpaw will be facing a Cincinnati lineup hitting just .238 overall and averaging just 3.7 runs per contest. That's very deceiving considering their venue clearly favors the hitters which on paper exemplifies a lot more production than their overall output. The Reds are 11-11 at home, and otherwise have clearly had more success at Great American Ballpark. Frazier (.266 15 29) leads the club with 15 HR and also ranks second in the NL behind Bryce Harper, however the majority of his long balls have been of the solo variety. Marlon Byrd (.204 10 25) however is just 4 for his last 28 (.125) despite not experiencing any issues in the power department. Votto (.275 8 22) got off to a great start but despite yesterday's long ball has cooled off considerably. Jay Bruce (.222 7 20) has shown signs of life after a slow start hitting .360 over the last week. Brandon Phillips (.297 2 19) is 0 for his last 10 and suffering through a toe injury that has relegated Bryan Price to playing him every other day rather than a consideration to the disabled list.

 

Cincy counters with Raisel Iglesias (1-1 4.26) who will be making just his 4th start of the season. There were thoughts that Iglesias would be sent back down to Triple-A after making the spot start, but he has pitched well in relief and may have earned a more permanent spot with the Reds' pitching staff. The 25 year old rookie right-hander faces a Washington lineup that is hitting .256 overall but is averaging about 4.7 runs per contest with the same amount of HRs as the Reds (55). Harper (.329 18 43) is 4th in the NL in hitting and leads the league with 43 RBI along with 41 runs scored. Danny Espinosa (.250 6 14) is mired in a 3 for 20 (.150) slump and has looked lost the first third of the season, although he is known to do most of his damage in the second half after the ASB. Ian Desmond (.266 4 15) however has hit safely in his last 13 games (.352) while showing some incredible range at short. Wilson Ramos (.277 3 22) had a 15 game hitting streak earlier this month, however is just 3 for his last 27 (.111) and there has been speculation that Matt Williams has considered using Jose Lobaton as a platoon to give Ramos a breather.

 

We get another reasonable price this afternoon at a venue where the hitters have a widespread advantage against the pitchers. The ball will increasingly be carrying well to right center where it is just 370, ideal in the warmer weather. It is also just 328 to both corners and 404 to deep center. Gonzalez would like to put together a couple of consecutive solid outings, and Iglesias needs to do the same if he expects to stay in the starting rotation for the long haul. With both clubs sporting plenty of power from several sources, we feel confident that on the average 2 runs aside is within reach. Considering our misfortunes to start the season, we would like to notch our first win after suffering through some tough consequences through the first 7 contests. Our quest to notch the first one is relevant to fans standing and waiting...and waiting for a basketball team to hit their first field goal before taking a seat. To those of you that have stuck with me, thank you and I will do my best to turn things around. Best of luck however you play!

[KingRevolver]

It'll turn around, Jimmy. Best of luck, pal.