Bullpen Game DOOMS Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals LIVE MLB Postgame | Podcast Highlights

Stone Shields and Mike Hart LIVE in the 9th inning.

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The Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals open a three-game series on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Nationals Park, with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET. Both clubs sit near .500 and occupy fourth place in their respective National League divisions, making this an important midsummer series for two teams still holding faint wild-card hopes with roughly two months remaining in the regular season.

The Reds enter the matchup at 56-58, riding a four-game winning streak after sweeping the Athletics. Managed by Terry Francona, Cincinnati has shown improved form since the All-Star break, going 13-6 in one stretch and posting a strong 7-3 record over their last 10 games. Their offense features dynamic shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who is hitting .276 with 19 home runs and elite speed, alongside first baseman Sal Stewart, who leads the team with 25 homers and 86-87 RBIs while posting a .257 average and .484 slugging percentage. The Reds rank among the league leaders in home runs with around 150, and they perform particularly well in games where they go deep multiple times (27-13 in such contests). However, their pitching staff is depleted by injuries, including Hunter Greene (elbow), Nick Lodolo (finger), Spencer Steer (wrist), and several others on the injured list. As a result, right-hander Chase Petty (1-2, 4.50 ERA in limited action) is expected to start or open in what may effectively become a bullpen game.

The Nationals, at 56-61, have struggled recently with a 2-8 mark in their last 10 games and a poor home record of 23-34. Still, they lead the majors in home runs with 168, averaging 1.4 per game, and rank solidly in batting average. Shortstop CJ Abrams anchors the lineup, batting .287 with 28 home runs and 88 RBIs, providing both power and on-base ability. Other contributors include Daylen Lile and Jacob Young. Washington’s pitching is also thinned by injuries—James Wood (oblique), Josiah Gray, and several others are sidelined—but they hand the ball to right-hander Cade Cavalli, who has been one of their most consistent starters at 8-5 with a 3.52 ERA over more than 120 innings. Cavalli has limited opponents to two or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts, offering a clear edge on the mound.

These teams previously met in May, with the Nationals taking two of three games in Cincinnati, including a pair of close contests before the Reds responded with a 15-1 blowout. The all-time series slightly favors Cincinnati. Betting markets have listed the Nationals as slight home favorites (around -120), with a total near 9 runs. Weather is expected to be warm and partly cloudy at Nationals Park.

Key storylines include whether the surging Reds can extend their streak against a power-hitting but inconsistent Nationals club, how Cincinnati’s patchwork pitching holds up against Abrams and company, and if Cavalli can continue his strong recent run. Both rosters feature young talent capable of explosive nights—De La Cruz’s speed and power versus the Nationals’ league-leading long-ball attack. With playoff implications still alive for long-shot contenders, this series opener offers competitive baseball between two clubs fighting to stay relevant in a crowded National League landscape. The remaining games are set for Saturday and Sunday in Washington.