The Cincinnati Reds face the Washington Nationals on July 21, 2025. Can superstar Elly De La Cruz lead the Reds to a crucial road win to start the series?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The dog days of summer are here, and for the Cincinnati Reds, a pivotal road trip begins tonight in the nation's capital. Sitting at 52-48, the Reds are looking to shake off a one-game losing streak and make a statement against the Washington Nationals. With the NL Central race heating up, every game counts, and this series feels like a perfect opportunity to build momentum.
Elly De La Cruz continues to be the engine, leading the team with a .281 average, 18 home runs, and 65 RBIs.
The Reds roll into Nationals Park with a respectable 52-48 record, but their 24-26 performance on the road is something they'll want to improve upon. Facing a Nationals team with a 39-60 record presents a prime chance to do just that. While it might look like an easy series on paper, no team can be taken lightly in the big leagues. This is a must-win series to keep pace in a tight division. The pressure is on to start this road swing with a decisive victory.
If the Reds are going to make a run, it will undoubtedly be on the back of Elly De La Cruz. The superstar shortstop is putting together an MVP-caliber season, leading the club in nearly every major offensive category. His combination of power (18 homers), run production (65 RBIs), and consistent hitting (.281 average) makes him one of the most feared hitters in the league. As the team heads into this series, expect Elly to be the catalyst at the top of the lineup, setting the tone for the entire offense.
While the focus is on the current pennant race, the foundation for sustained success continues to be built in the minor leagues. The Reds' farm system is ranked 11th in MLB, a testament to their scouting and development. Top arms like Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder are turning heads, while bats like Sal Stewart and Cam Collier promise future lineup depth. The recent draft added even more firepower, with two big right-handed pitchers and an exciting 17-year-old prospect named Hall joining the organization. This constant pipeline of talent ensures the Reds won't just be competitive this year, but for years to come.
Tonight's game is more than just another date on the calendar; it's a tone-setter for the rest of this road trip and the push toward the postseason. Can the Reds capitalize against a struggling Nationals team and start building a winning streak? All eyes will be on Nationals Park to see if Cincinnati can get the job done.
