Washington Nationals vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Prediction for Thursday May 14 2026
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The Washington Nationals travel to face the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. First pitch is scheduled for 12:40 PM ET with coverage available on MLB.TV. Gametime weather is expected to be around 59 degrees. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Washington enters this matchup after a strong offensive showing earlier in the series, while Cincinnati looks to rebound at home. Be sure to check out our free MLB picks.
Starting Pitchers Ready for a Strong Duel
Foster Griffin is expected to start for Washington, carrying a 4-1 record with a 2.12 ERA and 1.03 WHIP across 46.2 innings. Griffin has allowed 33 hits while recording 42 strikeouts, 15 walks, and six home runs. Cincinnati is scheduled to counter with Chase Burns, who enters with a 4-1 record, 2.11 ERA, and 1.04 WHIP over 47.0 innings. Burns has allowed 33 hits while striking out 48 batters, walking 16, and giving up six home runs.
Nationals Bringing Momentum into Cincinnati
Washington enters this game with a 20-22 overall record and an impressive 14-9 road mark. The Nationals recently won over Cincinnati 10-4 after recently losing to Miami 5-2 and 8-7 during the previous series. Washington also recently won over Miami 3-2 and recently won over Minnesota 7-5. Despite sitting below .500 overall, the Nationals have continued to perform well away from home and have shown the ability to bounce back offensively after difficult losses.
The Nationals are batting .244 as a team with 227 runs, 352 hits, and 50 home runs. Washington has also posted a .325 on-base percentage and a .411 slugging percentage. On the mound, the Nationals carry a 4.77 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP, while allowing opponents to hit .255 against them. The pitching staff has also collected 318 strikeouts while issuing 161 walks.
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One major strength for Washington has been offensive production. The Nationals have already scored 227 runs this season, which stands out clearly compared to Cincinnati’s 168 runs. Washington also holds advantages in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage entering this matchup, which could again become important after the team recently scored 10 runs against the Reds.
Reds Hoping to Respond at Great American Ball Park
Cincinnati comes into this contest with a 22-20 overall record and a 12-10 home record. The Reds recently lost to Washington 10-4 after previously recently winning over Houston 5-0 and 3-1. Cincinnati also recently lost to Houston 10-0 and recently lost to Chicago 8-3 before that. The Reds have alternated strong pitching performances with difficult offensive stretches during this recent run.
The Reds are hitting .220 as a team with 168 runs, 308 hits, and 53 home runs. Cincinnati owns a .305 on-base percentage and a .379 slugging percentage. On the pitching side, the Reds have produced a 4.65 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP while holding opponents to a .253 batting average. Cincinnati pitchers have recorded 322 strikeouts and issued 195 walks this season.
One notable strength for Cincinnati is the power production. Even with the lower batting average, the Reds have already hit 53 home runs this season, which is slightly ahead of Washington’s total. Cincinnati also enters with one of the stronger strikeout totals among the two teams, giving the Reds a path to stay competitive if the pitching staff can limit traffic on the bases.
Washington Nationals vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Prediction
Washington Nationals vs Cincinnati Reds Pick
- Pick: Washington Nationals Moneyline
Washington looks like the stronger value side entering this matchup. The Nationals already recently won over Cincinnati 10-4 earlier in the series and continue to hold clear offensive advantages in runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Washington has also played very well on the road with a 14-9 away record. While Cincinnati has shown home-run power, the Nationals have been more consistent offensively overall and enter with momentum after the recent victory.
Washington Nationals vs Cincinnati Reds Total Pick
- Pick: Under 9
I would lean toward the under in this matchup because both starting pitchers enter with excellent numbers. Foster Griffin carries a 2.12 ERA and 1.03 WHIP, while Chase Burns owns a 2.11 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. Even though Washington scored 10 runs in the previous meeting, both projected starters have been effective at limiting baserunners and keeping games under control. With two strong pitching performances possible here, this matchup could settle into a lower-scoring pace.
Final Score Prediction: Washington Nationals 4 – Cincinnati Reds 3
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Wednesday.
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