Washington Nationals vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions July 23rd 2025

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The Cincinnati Reds will take on the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The game is set to start at 12:05 PM and will be broadcast on FDSOH. The weather forecast predicts overcast clouds with a mild day and calm crosswinds.

The Reds, managed by Terry Francona, have a season record of 52-50. They are nine games behind in the NL Central. On the mound for the Reds is Nick Lodolo, who has a 3.33 ERA and a 7-6 record. The Nationals, led by interim manager Miguel Cairo, hold a 41-60 record and are 17 games back in the NL East. Michael Soroka will start for the Nationals, sporting a 5.10 ERA and a 3-7 record.

Reds vs Nationals Key Information

  • Sport: Baseball
  • Teams: Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals
  • Venue: Nationals Park in Washington, DC
  • Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
  • Betting Odds: Reds Moneyline -137, Nationals Moneyline +116, Reds Runline -1.5 (+119), Nationals Runline +1.5 (-143), Total Over 8.5 (-116), Total Under 8.5 (-105)

The Reds Can Win If…

The Cincinnati Reds are coming off a challenging game against the Washington Nationals, losing 1-6. Despite the loss, their bats were active, racking up 10 hits. Gavin Lux stood out with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, driving in the Reds’ only run.

The Reds have shown they can compete with strong hitting stats. They rank 10th in on-base percentage at .318 and have hit 162 doubles, also ranked 10th. Their ability to get on base and hit for extra bases gives them a chance to score runs against any opponent.

Nick Lodolo will take the mound for the Reds, bringing a solid 3.33 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. His ability to keep batters off balance is key against the Nationals. With Lodolo’s pitching and the Reds’ ability to generate hits, they have a strong chance to secure a win.

The Nationals Can Win If…

The Washington Nationals are coming off a strong 6-1 win against the Cincinnati Reds. Brad Lord pitched four innings, allowing only one run. Josh Bell hit a home run, and Jacob Young added a double, contributing to the team’s offensive success.

The Nationals’ hitting stats show they can win games. They rank 7th in doubles with 167 and 8th in stolen bases with 86. Their ability to get extra-base hits can be a game-changer against opponents.

Michael Soroka will start for the Nationals with a 5.10 ERA. While his record is 3-7, he has a solid WHIP of 1.15. If he can keep the Reds’ hitters in check, the Nationals have a good chance to win.

The Lean

The Reds are favored with a moneyline of -137. The Nationals have a moneyline of +116. The Reds have a stronger pitching staff with a 3.95 ERA compared to the Nationals’ 5.21 ERA. The model projects the Reds to win with a score of 5-3.

The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs. The Reds’ pitching is ranked 17th in ERA, while the Nationals’ pitching struggles with a high ERA. The model projects a total score of 8 runs. The recommendation is to take the under at 8.5 (-105).

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A Battle of Streaks: Nationals Go for Rare Sweep Against Resilient Reds

Something has to give in the nation’s capital on Wednesday afternoon. The Washington Nationals are on the verge of their first series sweep since May, but to get it, they’ll have to do something no other team has done all season: sweep the resilient Cincinnati Reds.

A Chance to Sweep

After big wins in the first two games of the series, the Nationals are feeling confident. A victory on Wednesday would be a massive accomplishment for a young team that has struggled for much of the year.

“It’s always fun to win a series before the series is over, that’s for sure,” said center fielder Jacob Young. “The chance to sweep is awesome… and kind of get the second half going.”

The Unswept Reds

While the Reds have lost two straight, they have a major point of pride on the line. They have not been swept in a three-game series yet in 2025, a testament to their ability to bounce back from tough losses. They will be desperate to keep that streak alive.

The Pitching Matchup

Wednesday’s game features an excellent pitching matchup between a hot hand and a hard-luck veteran. The Reds will start lefty Nick Lodolo, who has been excellent recently, but has historically struggled against Washington. The Nationals will counter with Michael Soroka, who has been pitching well but has not won a game since early June.

PitcherW-L (2025)ERA (2025)Career vs. Opponent
Nick Lodolo (CIN)7-63.330-2, 6.67 ERA
Michael Soroka (WSH)3-75.101-1, 5.23 ERA

Total Team Effort

The Nationals’ recent success has been a full team effort. On Tuesday, their bullpen was spectacular, with five different relievers combining for scoreless innings. “Everyone’s got to contribute,” said interim manager Miguel Cairo. “We cannot be using the same guy all the time.” The clash of these two hungry MLB teams will be a key focus on the scores and odds board. The psychology of a team trying to avoid a sweep is a key topic in our expert betting guide. To see who our experts think will win, check out our daily MLB picks.