The Cincinnati Reds will try to halt a two-game skid Sunday when they visit the Washington Nationals for the conclusion of a three-game series at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Eastern, and the contest will be available only on Peacock.
Starting pitchers and what to watch
Cincinnati will hand the ball to right-hander Brady Singer, while Washington countered with righty Brad Lord. Singer has been solid since the calendar turned to June, posting a 3.45 ERA in his last 11 starts and logging 62.2 innings over that stretch. Lord is making just his second start of the season after returning from the injured list.
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brady Singer | 113.2 | 4.67 | 1.43 | 39 | 97 |
| Brad Lord | 59.0 | 3.81 | 1.20 | 21 | 52 |
Singer’s season has included some unusual platoon splits. Right-handed batters are hitting just .233 off him but have drawn a higher walk rate and shown power when they connect. Left-handers, by contrast, have produced a .293 average and paired that with a higher slugging percentage. Against Washington earlier this year — a May matchup — the Nationals manufactured three runs off Singer, all from solo homers, across 3.2 innings.
Lineups
Both clubs announced their starters for the finale. Cincinnati’s lineup features Elly De La Cruz at shortstop and Tyler Stephenson behind the plate. Washington counters with top prospects and regulars including C.J. Abrams at shortstop and Keibert Ruiz catching.
- Cincinnati Reds: Elly De La Cruz (SS), Sal Stewart (1B), J.J. Bleday (LF), Tyler Stephenson (C), Eugenio Suárez (DH), Jorbit Vivas (3B), Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B), Dane Myers (CF), Matt McLain (2B).
- Washington Nationals: C.J. Abrams (SS), Abimelec Ortiz (1B), Jose Tena (DH), Daylen Lile (LF), Dylan Crews (RF), Hector Rodriguez (RF), Nasim Nunez (2B), Keibert Ruiz (C), Brad Lord (RHP).
What the Reds need
Cincinnati entered the series on a winning streak but surrendered the first two games, giving Washington a chance to sweep. For the Reds, producing consistent contact and limiting free passes will be key, particularly against Lord, who relies on a mix of offerings and has shown control with a modest walk total on the season.
Singer’s recent form suggests he can work deep enough into the game to give Cincinnati a chance, but his history against Washington and the platoon splits mean the Reds’ hitters will need to be selective and aggressive in the strike zone.
Notes and viewing
- First pitch: 12:15 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: Peacock (streaming only)
- Starter notes: Singer has allowed three runs to Washington in his May start, all via solo homers; Lord is on his second start since returning from the injured list.
With the two clubs splitting much of the season’s expectations, the finale offers both a chance to swing momentum. For Washington, finishing the homestand with a sweep would reward a pitching staff that has relied on both veterans and young arms. For Cincinnati, avoiding the sweep and ending the trip on a positive note would help reset before their next homestand.
Fans tuning in should watch the early innings for matchup clues. How each club handles the opposing bullpen once the starters exit could decide a close game, and late-inning defensive alignment and pinch-hit decisions will be critical in a matchup that appears poised to hinge on managerial moves as much as on starting pitching.
This game represents the latest chapter in a season where incremental adjustments and health have mattered more than raw talent. Both teams will look to execute fundamentals and limit mistakes as they try to claim the series finale.
