MLB Betting – Washington Nationals @ Cincinnati Reds
Stephen Strasburg (4-2) vs. Bronson Arroyo (10-4)
Strasburg vs. Reds Hitting
The Washington phenom continues to live up to the hype. In his last start Strasburg threw six shutout innings against the Marlins, striking out seven and allowing only four hits. It was the first time all season Strasburg didn’t give up a run in a start. The circus surrounding Strasburg seems to have slowed down, a welcome change of media pace that will only help the kid stay calm. A cap on his 2010 innings has forced Strasburg to usually only pitch six innings, meaning teams have a much better chance of winning if they’re patient for the bullpen instead of trying to beat Strasburg.
The team that must be patient this time, the Cincinnati Reds, are a surprise atop the NL Central. The offense is led by MVP-candidate Joey Votto, the all-star snub who is enjoying a career year (.307 BA, 22 HR, 60 RBI). Jay Bruce, Johnny Gomes and Brandon Phillips provide a solid backup crew. Scott Rolen has also been a beast at the plate, but will most likely miss the game against Strasburg. Rolen has been nursing a hamstring injury and hasn’t played since the break. If you’re betting, consider that good news for the Nationals.
Arroyo vs. Nationals Hitting
The veteran ace of the Reds rotation, Arroyo is enjoying a nice little year. He’s pitched exceptionally strong as of late, going 5-1 in his last six outings, allowing more than two runs in a start just once. His ERA has dropped considerably since early June, and he seems to be hitting his stride as the season goes on. Arroyo has faced the Nationals already once this year with spectacular results. The right-hander lasted eight innings and only gave up two runs while striking out five.
Like most years, the bulk of the offense on Washington has fallen to Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman. Dunn (22 HR, 59 RBI) has been the subject of many trade talks, but that hasn’t seemed to slow him down at all. As for Zimmerman (16 HR, 48 RBI), he’s just as offensively sound as anyone. Since no one on the team is batting over .300, the Nationals’ run source comes mainly from the power hitters. If Arroyo can effectively shut down the team of Dunn and Zimmerman, victory will be much easier to obtain.
Bullpen Comparison
The Nationals bullpen has some brilliant talent, and since all of them are young, there is potential to be even greater. Matt Capps has 23 saves and has a 3.10 ERA in over 40 innings pitched. Tyler Clippard leads all MLB relievers with 8 wins and has pitched an astounding 53 innings. Drew Storen is a former first round pick and has blossomed in his role as a set-up guy.
All-Star Arthur Rhodes is the best reliever in a generally O.K. Bullpen. The big lefty has revitalized his career in Cinncy, sporting a minuscule 1.46 ERA in 37 IP. No other reliever comes close to that ERA, as none sport a number under 3.75. Closer Francisco Cordero get a lot of save opportunities, and has converted 25 of them; he has blown six and has 4.01 ERA.
Outlook
It’s hard to pick against Strasburg, especially since he’s been pitching so well as of late. The Reds, although definite NL Central contenders, have been slipping as of late. I’m betting the kid gets another notch in his belt after this one.
Pick: Washington Nationals