The Washington Nationals return to Nationals Park on Saturday, August 8 to host the Cincinnati Reds in a 6:45 PM ET first pitch. Andrew Alvarez gets the ball for Washington against Reds right-hander Chase Burns in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup. With the Nationals rolling out a lineup loaded with young talent — Dylan Crews, Daylen Lile, and CJ Abrams at the top — this one has the feel of a game Washington can win at home with a quality start from Alvarez.

Starting Pitchers: Andrew Alvarez vs. Chase Burns

Andrew Alvarez draws the start for the Nationals. The left-hander has been working to establish himself in Washington's rotation, and a home start against Cincinnati is exactly the kind of opportunity he needs to build momentum. The Nationals will be counting on Alvarez to go deep into the game and give their bullpen some rest.

On the other side, Chase Burns takes the mound for Cincinnati. Burns is a power arm who can generate swing-and-miss stuff, and the Nationals' lineup will need to be disciplined and patient against him. Getting Burns into deep counts early could be the difference in this one.

Washington Nationals Starting Lineup

• 1. CJ Abrams, SS
• 2. Abimelec Ortiz, 1B
• 3. Dylan Crews, RF
• 4. Daylen Lile, LF
• 5. Keibert Ruiz, C
• 6. Jorbit Vivas, 3B
• 7. Nasim Nuñez, 2B
• 8. José Tena, DH
• 9. Jacob Young, CF

Cincinnati Reds Starting Lineup

• 1. Elly De La Cruz, SS
• 2. Sal Stewart, 1B
• 3. Dane Myers, CF
• 4. Eugenio Suárez, DH
• 5. JJ Bleday, LF
• 6. Matt McLain, 2B
• 7. Jose Trevino, C
• 8. Noelvi Marte, RF
• 9. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B

Keys to Watch for the Nationals

Crews and Lile Setting the Table in the Middle of the Order

Dylan Crews batting third and Daylen Lile hitting cleanup gives Washington a young but impactful core in the heart of the lineup. How those two perform against Burns will go a long way toward determining whether the Nationals offense generates enough run support for Alvarez.

CJ Abrams as the Catalyst

Abrams leads off and is the engine of this offense. When Abrams gets on base and creates havoc, it puts pressure on opposing pitchers and opens things up for Crews and Lile in the middle of the order. His ability to work Burns early and get into scoring position is critical.

Containing Elly De La Cruz

The Reds leadoff their lineup with Elly De La Cruz, one of the most electrifying players in the National League. His combination of speed and raw power makes him a threat every time he steps to the plate. Alvarez will need to be sharp against De La Cruz to prevent him from turning into a momentum-changer in either direction.

Keibert Ruiz Calling the Game

Ruiz behind the plate is an underrated factor. His game management and ability to frame pitches and neutralize Cincinnati's middle-of-the-order bats — Suárez and Bleday — will matter as much as anything in a tight contest.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Washington at home. Nationals Park can be a tough environment for visiting offenses, and if Alvarez is on — keeping De La Cruz off the bases and limiting extra-base damage from Suárez — the Nationals have the lineup pieces to scratch out enough runs against Burns. Expect a close, low-scoring game that comes down to the late innings. Nationals 4, Reds 2.