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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 26, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Tanner Roark (57) pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony DeSclafani (2-0, 1.52) vs. Tanner Roark (7-5, 2.96) – 6:05 p.m ET, MASN

DeSclafani had a great outing in his last start against the Padres on June 26. He threw eight shutout innings, gave up five hits, and struck out five on 117 pitches to win his second game of the season. The 26-year-old right-hander missed the first two months of the season due to an oblique injury.

Last season, DeSclafani was 9-13 with a 4.05 ERA in 31 starts and threw 184.2 innings, which was the most of anyone in the Reds rotation. Since coming off the disabled list, he has given up two earned runs or fewer in all four outings.

DeSclafani made two starts against the Washington Nationals last season. He was 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA and he gave up four runs in 11.2 innings. Daniel Murphy is 3-for-6 against him with a double, a home run, and three RBI’s.

On Sunday against the Brewers, Tanner Roark stepped up when the Washington Nationals needed him the most. He went seven innings, gave up seven hits, struck out seven, and walked one as he helped snap the Nats seven game losing streak.

Over his last three starts, Roark has had some good luck getting the groundball outs as he has induced 11 or more groundball outs in each game. In his last four starts, he has given up a total of seven runs in 27.1 innings with 24 strikeouts.

Back on June 5, Roark had a rough outing against the Reds. He went three innings, gave up five runs on seven hits, struck out three, and walked one on 62 pitches. However, he got a no-decision. Brandon Phillips is 4-for-8 against him with a home run and two RBI’s.

Prediction: I would expect DeSclafani to have a quality outing based off how he has pitched since coming off the DL. However, I like the Washington Nationals to get their first win of the series because Roark has stepped up when the team needs him and has become one of their consistent starters in this rotation.

Next: Saturday's Matchup

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