Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals Picks and Prediction for Sunday, August 9, 2026

The Cincinnati Reds visit the Washington Nationals on Sunday at 12:15 PM ET at Nationals Park. Cincinnati is 56-59, sits fourth in the NL Central, and trails Milwaukee by 15.5 games. The Reds had won four straight before Friday’s 5-3 loss to Washington. The Nationals are 57-61, fourth in the NL East and 14 games behind Atlanta. Washington snapped a two-game losing streak Friday but has dropped three of its last five. The Nationals lead the series 1-0 entering Saturday’s second game. Cash in a winner with our free MLB picks.

Cincinnati Reds Looking to Rebound After Streak Ends

Cincinnati ranks last in MLB with a .230 batting average but has shown considerable power with 153 home runs. The Reds have scored 479 runs with a .310 on-base percentage and .400 slugging percentage. Elly De La Cruz leads Cincinnati with a .277 average, .360 on-base percentage, and .509 slugging percentage while adding 20 home runs and 21 stolen bases. Sal Stewart has supplied 25 homers and a team-high 87 RBIs, while JJ Bleday has contributed 20 home runs and a .343 on-base percentage.

The Reds rank 23rd in MLB pitching with a 4.42 ERA and 1.40 WHIP while opponents are batting .244. Cincinnati has recorded 912 strikeouts, 29 saves, seven shutouts, and 39 quality starts. The staff had allowed only 13 runs during Cincinnati’s four-game winning streak before Washington scored five Friday. Cincinnati is 27-28 away from home and has allowed 143 home runs, so keeping Washington’s power hitters in the park will be important in the series finale.

Injuries: Tony Santillan (15-Day IL), Nick Lodolo (15-Day IL), Brandon Williamson (60-Day IL), Graham Ashcraft (60-Day IL), Spencer Steer (10-Day IL).

Washington Nationals Trying to Build on Friday’s Win

Washington ranks eighth in MLB with a .250 batting average and has scored 628 runs with 170 home runs, a .327 on-base percentage, and .439 slugging percentage. CJ Abrams is batting .287 with 28 home runs, 88 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, and a .908 OPS. James Wood leads Washington with 30 homers and a .393 on-base percentage but remains on the injured list. Daylen Lile has 15 home runs and 59 RBIs, while Keibert Ruiz is batting .270 with 20 doubles.

Pitching remains Washington’s biggest weakness. The Nationals rank 27th in MLB with a 4.78 ERA and have a 1.40 WHIP while opponents are batting .261. Washington has recorded 879 strikeouts with 32 saves and only three shutouts. The Nationals have allowed 161 home runs and 554 earned runs through 117 games. Washington is 24-34 at Nationals Park, although Friday’s victory improved the club to 25-26 in day games.

Injuries: James Wood (10-Day IL), Drew Millas (10-Day IL), Josiah Gray (60-Day IL), Richard Lovelady (60-Day IL), DJ Herz (60-Day IL).

Pitching Matchup

Cincinnati Reds – Brady Singer

Singer enters at 5-10 with a 4.67 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 113.2 innings. The right-hander has allowed 123 hits, 39 walks, and 21 home runs while recording 97 strikeouts. Singer has allowed plenty of baserunners, and the home-run total is a concern against a Washington offense with 170 homers and a .439 slugging percentage. Limiting Abrams and the middle of the Nationals lineup will be critical.

Washington Nationals – Undecided

Washington had not announced its starting pitcher for Sunday at the time of the supplied matchup information. The Nationals’ overall pitching numbers leave questions regardless of who gets the assignment. Washington owns a 4.78 team ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and .261 opponent batting average while ranking 27th in MLB pitching. The Nationals have also surrendered 161 home runs, which gives Cincinnati’s power hitters an opportunity despite the Reds ranking last in team batting average.

Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals Game Pick

• Washington Nationals

Washington is the pick because its offense has a significant statistical advantage and is playing at home. The Nationals are batting .250 with 628 runs, 170 home runs, and a .439 slugging percentage, compared with Cincinnati’s MLB-low .230 average and 479 runs. Singer’s 4.67 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and 21 home runs allowed also create a favorable matchup for Abrams and Washington’s other power threats. Even without Wood available, the Nationals have enough offensive production to take advantage of Cincinnati’s pitching and win Sunday.

Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals Over/Under Pick

• Over

The pitching numbers point toward the over despite Cincinnati’s low season batting average. Singer carries a 4.67 ERA and has surrendered 123 hits and 21 home runs through 113.2 innings, while Washington’s staff ranks 27th with a 4.78 ERA and .261 opponent batting average. The Nationals have already scored 628 runs and 170 homers this season, while Cincinnati showed better scoring form before Friday’s loss. With neither pitching staff consistently limiting baserunners, both lineups have enough opportunities to cash this matchup over the total.