Nationals at Reds Preview

CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The Washington Nationals visit the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. at Great American Ball Park, with clear skies and a game-time temperature of 75 degrees.

Washington (19-22) aims to build on Tuesday’s 9-2 victory in the series opener. Cincinnati (22-19) looks to bounce back after dropping the first game of the three-game set.

Right-hander Jake Irvin (1-4, 5.40 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Nationals. He is seeking his second win after a rough start to the season. Left-hander Andrew Abbott (2-0, 2.70 ERA) is expected to start for the Reds. Abbott threw six scoreless innings in a 5-0 win over Houston on Sunday, allowing three hits and striking out five.

Washington’s offense was powered Tuesday by Luis García Jr., who went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and starting pitcher Cade Cavalli, who struck out four over 5 2/3 innings. Cavalli has been a key arm for the Nationals despite an inconsistent stretch. In his past five outings, Cavalli has a 4.26 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings, including a win over the New York Mets on April 29 in which he struck out 10.

Cincinnati’s offense was held to two runs Tuesday. The Reds have struggled at the plate recently, scoring three or fewer runs in six of their past eight games. Abbott, however, has been a bright spot. He has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his five starts this season, and his 0.90 ERA over his past two outings has helped stabilize the rotation.

Washington won the season’s first meeting between the teams. The Nationals are 4-6 in their past 10 games, while the Reds are 3-7.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 5-2 Nationals victory.

After Wednesday’s game, the teams face off again Thursday in the series finale. Washington then returns home for a three-game set against Baltimore, while Cincinnati travels to Cleveland for a weekend series.