Reds vs. Nationals, Game 3 - Preview and Lineup

The Cincinnati Reds haven’t won a series all month, and today is the 25th of September. As such, they’ve completely played their way out of the playoffs, though I don’t believe that they are officially eliminated quite yet.

Meanwhile, the devil magic lives on in St. Louis, where the Cardinals have won something like 13 straight games. It’s ridiculous, quite frankly, and shouldn’t be allowed to happen.

The Reds did tough out a win last night, coming from behind to win the game in 11 innings off an Aristides Aquino walk off hit, the first walk off hit of his career. If they win tonight, they’ll guarantee at least a split and leave themselves an opportunity to actually win a damn baseball series in the month of September.

Potentially winning a series against the check notes, 5th worst team in Major League Baseball. Good job, good effort, Cincinnati.

This all sucks.

Vlad Gutierrez will take the mound once more for the Reds. He’s enjoyed a decently nice little rookie season for the Reds, but he’s followed the lead of his teammates over the last month or so. Over his last five starts, he enjoys(?) a 8.84 ERA over 18.1 IP. It makes his 5.21 FIP a little more concerning than it already would be, probably.

Eric Fedde continues to fail to live up to his somewhat lofty prospect rankings. He’s got a 5.10 ERA for the season, which matches his career average, and a -1 bWAR. He did beat the Reds twice back in 2019.

Reds lineup

Natinals lineup