Where: National’s Park

When: 4:05 EST

The Starters: Bailey (0-1, 6.35) vs. Jackson (0-0, 5.40)

The Line: Nats -115, Reds 100, O/U 8 Runs, Nats -1.5

The Nationals won again last night in dramatic fashion to claim their fourth straight victory in the 13th inning. Now that Washington has clinched it’s third straight series win, they will set their sights on their first sweep of the season. To accomplish that, they will send right hander Edwin Jackson to the mound for his second start of the season. Jackson is a hit or miss type starter with his first outing being more on the miss side. When he’s got his good stuff he can be really effective, but when he doesn’t he’s very hittable. Homer Bailey will take the mound for the Reds to try and spoil the Nat’s potential sweep. Bailey is an average pitcher at best, posting eras around 4.50 in each of the past three seasons. This pitching matchup is basically a wash but id give Jackson a slight edge. For the lineups, the Reds are still better although they have struggled so far. I hinted yesterday that I thought the Reds may break out today against Edwin Jackson and I do believe that to be true. The Nat’s bullpen proved once again last night that they’re not only great but may be the best bullpen in the league. They get the advantage over the Reds with their relievers. I see the Reds lineup finally clicking today and both starters getting knocked around early and often. In the end I see the Reds coming up with a few more big hits than the Nats in an offensive slug fest to get out of the nation’s capitol with one win in the series.

Prediction: Reds 8, Nationals 5

Key Players (Stat Prediction): Jackson (4 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 3 K, 3 BB), Zimmerman (2-3, HR, 3 RBI), Bailey (5 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 3 K, 2 BB), Votto (3-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI)

Jesse’s Picks W/L: 5 – 3

Jesse’s Picks ATS: 3 – 4