First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 PM ET, with the Nationals aiming for a sweep after back-to-back wins, including a convincing 6–1 victory on Tuesday. This National League showdown features two talented young pitchers and several rising stars.
Matchup Overview
- Venue: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
- Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- Time: 12:05 PM ET
- Broadcast: MLB Network, MASN (Nationals), Bally Sports Ohio (Reds)
- Streaming: FuboTV, MLB.TV (regional restrictions may apply)
Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reds | Nick Lodolo (LHP) | 7–6 | 3.33 | 1.08 | 104 |
| Nationals | Michael Soroka (RHP) | 3–7 | 5.10 | 1.15 | 77 |
- Nick Lodolo has been solid for Cincinnati, posting a 3.33 ERA and holding opponents to a .233 batting average. He’s coming off a 7-inning, 2-run outing vs. the Mets and seeks his fourth straight quality start.
- Michael Soroka allowed just 1 ER in his last start and owns a 9.6 K/9 rate. He’s struggled with consistency but has shown flashes of dominance.
Key Players to Watch
Cincinnati Reds
- Elly De La Cruz: .279 AVG, 18 HR, 65 RBI, 26 SB – two-time All-Star and one of MLB’s most dynamic young talents.
- Matt McLain: .215 AVG, 11 HR – hitting .300 over his last 10 games with a seven-game hit streak.
- Gavin Lux: 4 hits on Tuesday, including an RBI single – batting .265 with 39 RBI.
Washington Nationals
- James Wood: .272 AVG, 24 HR, 70 RBI – ranks top 10 in MLB in both homers and RBI.
- CJ Abrams: .279 AVG, 13 HR, 37 RBI, 20 SB – doubled and drove in a run Tuesday.
- Josh Bell: Homered in Tuesday’s win – 12 HR, 37 RBI on the season.
Team Stats & Trends
| Category | Reds | Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .246 (16th MLB) | .246 (16th MLB) |
| Slugging Percentage | .395 (17th) | .391 (20th) |
| Home Runs | 107 (18th) | 99 (22nd) |
| Runs Scored | 465 (11th) | 440 (17th) |
| Team ERA | 3.96 (8th NL) | 5.75 (last 10 games) |
- Nationals have won 4 of 6 since the All-Star break and lead the season series 4–1.
- Reds have dropped three straight and are 24–28 on the road.
Final Takeaway
The Reds vs. Nationals matchup features two teams with contrasting momentum. Cincinnati will lean on Nick Lodolo’s consistency and hope for a spark from Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain to avoid a sweep. Washington counters with a surging offense led by James Wood, CJ Abrams, and Josh Bell, and will look to capitalize on home-field advantage.
Game Odds
Cincinnati Reds – 140
Washington Nationals 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Tuesday, July 22, 2025
