Let's Get It Started: Nats vs Reds Series Preview

 
Pitching Matchups, Times, & TV Listings 

• Thursday, April 25th, 7:05PM - Gio Gonzalez v. Bronson Arroyo (MASN HD)
• Friday, April 26th, 7:05PM - Jordan Zimmermann v. Homer Bailey (MASN HD)
• Saturday, April 27th, 1:05PM - Dan Haren v. Mike Leake (FOX)
• Sunday, April 28th, 1:35PM - Ross Detwiler v. Tony Cingrani (MASN HD)

 

After suffering a possibly traumatic sweep to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Nationals will attempt to finally get their act together as they begin a 4-game series with the Cincinnati Reds tonight. These two 2012 division champs have already faced off this year, as the Reds took the series in Cincinnati, two games to one. 

Series Preview

The Nationals will be welcoming in the Cincinnati Reds for a 4-game set. A vital series for the Nationals, as they are under .500 for the first time since the end of the 2011 season. Yup, you read that right.

Davey Johnson began to make some lineup changes, which we will continue to see throughout this series, as well. Tyler Moore got a start yesterday, and Stephen Lombardozzi is expected to start at third in the first game. Who knows, some time off for the stars and some platooning situations could be what sparks the season for the Nats. It worked for the Athletics last year.

Anthony Rendon has gotten his first taste of major league action, recording his first hits and RBI in the Cardinals series. He may be trying to impress too much, which could explain his struggles. In the minors he struck out very little, but through his first 4 starts, he has struck out 5 times in 15 at bats. Roger Bernadina is also struggling, still looking for his first hit after having 16 at bats already.

With many question marks and expectations not being reached, the Nationals hope to find some stability in this series against the Reds.

Song of the Series: Let's Get It Started - Black Eyed Peas

The title of the song says it all, let's get it started. The Washington Nationals have not been playing up to expectations all season long (except for when they've been scrimmaging that team from Miami), and it's time for that to change.

The Nationals showed a few signs of life against the Cardinals, however errors on the field and untimely mistakes in the batter's box continued to plague the Nats. They also need a little bit of life in the clubhouse, as it seems all of the players are stressing and trying way too hard. This song could provide anybody with an up-beat mood, so why not try it.

Matchup to Watch: Tony Cingrani v. The Nationals Offense

This matchup could go one of two ways, and it all depends on how the first three games of the series go. Tony Cingrani is starting the fourth game of the series for the Reds, after just making his major league debut last week. The Nationals, obviously, have not faced him before.  If the Nationals do get hot in the first 3 games, I expect the Nats veteran lineup to give Cingrani a nice welcome to the Majors. 

Classic Matchup Moment

The Nats defeated the Reds in DC for the home opener last season much to the delight of Gio Gonzalez.  Relive the moment here.

 

Written By Kevin Craig