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Washington Nationals vs. Reds Preview (6/30-7/3)

By Ricky Keeler

Jun 19, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) hits a single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) hits a single during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Jun 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Finnegan throws against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Finnegan (3-6, 3.83 ERA) vs. Gio Gonzalez (3-7, 4.73) – 7:05 p.m ET, broadcast on MASN

Despite having a quality start in his last outing against the Padres, Finnegan still took the loss. He went 6.2 innings, gave up three runs on five hits, struck out eight, and walked three on 110 pitches.

The problem for Finnegan is the Reds don’t seem to score many runs when he pitches. In his last four starts, the Reds have scored a total of five runs. In the month of June, Finnegan is 2-2 with a 3.19 ERA in five starts, but has held opponents to a .220 batting average. The 23-year-old left-hander has 44 walks, which is third in the National League.

Finnegan did face the Washington Nationals on June 3 against Gonzalez. He went 6.1 innings, gave up one run on five hits, struck out two, and walked three in a win. That lone RBI came on a home run by Wilson Ramos.

As for Gonzalez, it’s been almost an automatic loss when he’s on the mound for the Nats. Against the Brewers on Saturday, he went three innings, gave up six runs on six hits, struck out five, and walked one in a loss. The left-hander is now 0-6 in his last seven starts.

It has been a rough June for Gonzalez, to say the least. He is 0-4 in five starts with a 7.16 ERA, has walked 11 batters, and opponents are hitting .300 against him. You have to wonder if Gonzalez’s spot in the rotation will be in jeopardy in the near future if Lucas Giolito continues to impress and Stephen Strasburg comes back from injury.

Back on June 3, Gonzalez went six innings, gave up five runs on nine hits, and struck out eight in a loss to the Reds. Joey Votto is 6-for-15 (.400) with two doubles, two home runs, and four RBI’s.

Prediction: Even though Finnegan has had a lack of command at times this season and the Washington Nationals offense was strong in the Mets series, it’s tough to pick Gonzalez to win any game right now until he starts to show some confidence. Reds win the series opener.

Next: Friday's Matchup

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