Washington Nationals vs Cincinnati Reds — Maj 14, 2026 | AI-prognos & statistik

This matchup features a fascinating contrast between rookie power and veteran finesse. Chase Burns brings triple-digit velocity and swing-and-miss stuff, averaging 98.1 mph on his fastball with a devastating slider that comprises 38% of his arsenal. However, he's still finding his footing at the big league level, and the Nationals have shown they can handle velocity - they just torched Cincinnati's pitching in consecutive games with 18 total runs. Foster Griffin presents the polar opposite profile, working at 85-87 mph with a six-pitch mix led by his cutter and relying on command and deception rather than raw stuff. His 2.12 ERA and 1.03 WHIP suggest he's mastered the art of pitching to contact and limiting hard contact. The Reds' recent offensive struggles are concerning - they've scored just 3.2 runs per game over their last ten contests, a span in which they've gone 2-8. Elly De La Cruz remains their brightest offensive star with 10 home runs, but the supporting cast has been inconsistent. The Nationals counter with CJ Abrams, who's enjoying a breakout campaign with 9 homers and 36 RBIs, providing the type of middle-of-the-order production Washington has lacked in recent years. The bullpen situation heavily favors Washington, as Cincinnati has three key relievers on the injured list including Emilio Pagán and Caleb Ferguson, severely limiting their late-game options. The Nationals have momentum from back-to-back wins in this series and have been significantly better on the road (15-9) than at home (6-13), suggesting they handle the pressure of playing away from D.C. well. The weather conditions at Great American Ball Park - 59 degrees with clear skies and a north wind at 12 mph - should be neutral to slightly pitcher-friendly, which could help both starters settle in early. However, Griffin's experience advantage and the Reds' bullpen concerns give Washington the edge in what should be a competitive, mid-scoring affair.