Tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET the Washington Nationals (23-20), and their ace Stephen Strasburg (3-3, 3.48 ERA) will open up a three-game set at home against the Cincinnati Reds (19-23) in a matchup that can be live streamed free by clicking this link. Nationals fans can find the radio broadcast on 106.7 The Fan, while Reds fans may do the same on WLW 700. The Reds will counter Strasburg with Mike Leake (2-3, 3.09 ERA).
While Strasburg has the name value in tonight's opening matchup, Leake has been every bit as good as his highly touted opponent lately according to Reds manager Bryan Price. "We're going to want to win every game that he throws when he gives us seven or eight quality innings like he has," Price said.
"If he can maintain this type of consistency, you'll look at a spectacular season of well over 200 innings, but giving us a chance to win on a regular basis is what makes me happy. The tide will turn."
Leake likely won't won't have the help of All-Star first baseman Joey Votto in the lineup, but stud catcher Devin Mesoraco will be able to lend some run support. He went 4-for-4 on Sunday, and Price believes the Reds are on the cusp of breaking out offensively despite some struggles with runners in scoring position.
"I was very, very optimistic going into today's game that we were going to do some really good things offensively," Price said. "We got some things started but we weren't able to finish."
The Nats are still missing young slugger Bryce Harper, but will also hope to lean on a returning catcher, Wilson Ramos. Ramos' offense is coming around, and he's also adjusted his signs to pitchers after some past confusion with he and Strasburg.
"It was hard for the pitchers to see the signs," Ramos said. "That's the reason I'll put the stickers on the fingers, so they can see the signs better."
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