Reds vs Nationals Prediction 8/8/2026 Today’s MLB Picks

In this article we will formulate a Reds vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Saturday, August 8th at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Cincinnati Reds Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Reds are 56-59 this season after they lost game one by a score of 3-5 on Friday night. Cincinnati erased an early 3-0 deficit, but went scoreless over the last six innings for the loss. The Reds recorded seven hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by De La Cruz, who went 1-2 with one home run and one RBI. Petty allowed two hits and two earned runs over 1.2 innings, while Garcia picked up the loss in relief. Prior to this series, Cincinnati swept the Athletics in three games and won three out of four against the Pirates. 

This season, Cincinnati has a 4.42 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP and a .244 opponent batting average, while they have scored 479 runs with a .230 batting average and a .310 on base percentage. Sal Stewart has led the Reds with 25 home runs and 87 RBIs, while Elly De La Cruz has added 20 home runs and 54 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Cincinnati is Chase Burns, who is 13-1 with a 2.35 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over 118.2 innings pitched this season. 

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 57-61 this year after they won game one by a score of 5-3 last night. Washington scored two runs in the fifth to lead 5-3 and they hung on for the win. The Nationals recorded seven hits in the game and they were led by Lile, who went 2-4 with one home run and three RBIs. Cavalli allowed seven hits and three earned runs over 6.0 innings for the win, while Beeter picked up the save. Prior to this series, Washington lost three out of four against the Phillies and all four against the Braves. 

This season, Washington has a 4.76 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP and a .261 opponent batting average, while they have scored 628 runs with a .250 batting average and a .327 on base percentage. CJ Abrams has led the Nationals with 28 home runs and 88 RBIs, while James Wood has added 30 home runs and 73 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Andrew Alvarez, who is 2-3 with a 3.94 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP over 64.0 innings pitched this year. 

Why the Washington Nationals will win

• The home team has won eight of the Nationals’ last nine games.
• The Reds have lost eight of their last nine Saturday games as road favorites against NL East opponents.
• The Reds have failed to cover the run line each of their last five games against teams that held a losing record.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in each of their last four home games against National League opponents.
• The Reds have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last five road night games.

Why the Cincinnati Reds will win

• The Reds have won each of their last six night games following a loss.
• The Nationals have lost seven of their last eight home games following a home win.
• The Reds have covered the run line in each of their last six night games following a loss.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight home games following a home win.
• The Reds have led after 5 innings in three of their last four games as favorites.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Reds’ last six games as favorites against NL East opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• Eight of the Nationals’ last 10 home games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• There has been at least one run scored in the first inning in each of the Nationals’ last seven night games against National League opponents.
• There has been at least one run scored in the first inning in eight of the Reds’ last nine games as road favorites against National League opponents.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Andrew Alvarez has recorded five or more strikeouts in each of his last five appearances with the Nationals as underdogs.
• Daylen Lile has recorded at least one hit in each of the Nationals’ last eight night games against opponents that held a losing record.
• Andres Chaparro has hit at least one home run in three of his last four appearances in night games against teams that held a losing record.

Cincinnati Reds Player Prop Facts

• Chase Burns has recorded a win in each of the Reds’ last four games as favorites against NL East opponents.
• Chase Burns has recorded seven or more strikeouts in seven of his eight previous appearances in night games against NL teams that held a losing record.
• Elly De La Cruz has recorded at least one hit in each of the Reds’ last 11 games as favorites.
• Elly De La Cruz has hit a home run in each of the Reds’ last two games.

Reds vs Nationals Prediction 

Cincinnati had their winning streak snapped on Friday night in game one, but they have scored 27 runs in their last five games. The Reds are 27-28 on the road this year, while the Nationals are 24-34 at home. Washington has lost three of their last five games and they have allowed 5+ runs in all three of those losses. The Nationals are starting Alvarez, who has allowed 2, 1, 3, 3, and 5 earned runs in his last five starts, while Burns has allowed one earned run or fewer in three straight outings. Take the Reds to win here.

David Racey's Pick: Reds ML