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Top Handicapper 
Cincinnati Reds Aim to Break Losing Streak While Nationals Eye Sweep
Just two and a half weeks ago, the Cincinnati Reds were on a roll. They held third place in the National League Central and had just swept the New York Yankees. With their next four opponents all having losing records, the future looked bright. But now, fast forward to today, and the Reds are in a slump. They’re on a three-game losing streak and facing the Washington Nationals, who are on the verge of sweeping them in this three-game series.
Reds’ Recent Struggles
Performance Decline
The Reds have hit a rough patch, going 5-7 in their last 12 games against teams with losing records. Their latest setback was a 5-4 loss to the Nationals, where they let a one-run lead slip away in the seventh inning. This game was another blow to Cincinnati’s record in tight games, dropping them to 8-19 in one-run contests this season. That’s quite a fall from their league-leading 34 one-run wins last year.
Player Insights
Catcher Tyler Stephenson voiced the team’s frustration and sense of urgency: “It definitely hurt. You want to say that there’s plenty of games left, but each game’s important at this point. We know where we’re at.” Despite the struggles, Stephenson remains confident in the team’s talent and believes they can turn things around.
Pitching Spotlight
The Reds are pinning their hopes on left-hander Andrew Abbott (9-6, 3.39 ERA) to break their losing streak. Abbott has been a solid performer, with the team winning seven of his last eight starts. However, his previous outing against Washington was rough, as he allowed six runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings.
Nationals’ Recent Momentum
Winning Streak
On the flip side, the Nationals are on a high, having won four of their last five games. Their latest win against the Reds was powered by a strong bullpen performance that limited Cincinnati to just three hits over the final six innings, boosting the team’s morale significantly.
Team Chemistry
Reliever Derek Law emphasized the win’s impact on team unity: “I call those like a locker room win, that kind of brings the team a little closer together.” Manager Dave Martinez also praised the bullpen’s performance and the team’s resilience: “I really believe the boys are going to play hard for 27 outs. They’re not going to give up.”
Pitching Challenges
Right-hander Jake Irvin (7-8, 3.49 ERA) will start for Washington in the series finale. Irvin has had a tough time in his last two starts, giving up 13 runs (12 earned) on 18 hits, including four home runs, over 10 innings. Despite these struggles, the Nationals are hopeful he can bounce back and secure the sweep.
Implications for Both Teams
The Reds, currently four games behind the New York Mets for the final NL wild-card spot, desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. With four teams standing between them and the Mets in the wild-card race, every game is crucial. On the other hand, the Nationals, while not in playoff contention, are enjoying their role as spoilers and looking to build positive momentum for the future.
Conclusion
This series finale is a crucial game for both teams. The Reds are fighting to end their losing streak and stay in the wild-card race, while the Nationals are aiming to continue their winning streak and complete the sweep. As both teams take the field, fans can expect an intense and high-stakes showdown.
