Nationals vs. Reds Prediction and Odds for Thursday, June 2 (Operation Fade Joan Adon in Full Effect)

The Cincinnati Reds host the Washington Nationals tonight at 6:40 p.m. EST in the first game of a four-game series.

Entering last night's contests, Cincy had won five of six as its lineup and pitching staff are heating up in unison. Graham Ashcraft has been fantastic through two starts as he gets set for his third. He ranks in the 95th percentile in fastball velocity and threw 6.1 scoreless innings against the Giants last week.

Joan Adon starts for Washington coming off his best performance of the season. He shut out the Rockies over six innings, allowing only two hits. But he's been terrible overall, amassing a 1-8 record and 6.08 ERA through 10 starts.

Can Adon build off his best start of the campaign or will Cincinnati stay hot?

Let's take a gander at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to analyze this Nationals vs Reds matchup:

Nationals vs Reds Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• Nationals +1.5 (-170)
• Reds -1.5 (+140)

Moneyline:

• Nationals: +115
• Reds: -125

Total:

• 9 (Over -110/Under -110)

Nationals vs Reds Prediction and Pick

The Reds should be huge favorites and are my favorite bet of the day as top prospect Graham Ashcraft has a flame-thrower where an arm usually goes. I know what you're saying, "humans don't work like that, goofball." Oh yeah? Then how do you explain this?:

Ashcraft compiled a 1.65 ERA over seven Triple-A starts while showcasing excellent swing-and-miss ability. He carried that strong play right over to the majors, amassing a modest 1.69 ERA through his first two outings.

After yesterday's 5-0 loss to the Mets, the Nationals are now 3-11 in their last 14 road matchups and will trot out one of the league's worst starters today. Joan Adon ranks in the eighth percentile in expected ERA and has a massive command problem. Cincinnati averages the fifth-most walks at home in MLB so their improving lineup should take advantage of Adon's deficiencies.

Washington has lost seven consecutive games that Adon has started, with six of the seven losses coming by at least three runs. The Reds have won four of five at home and with an overwhelming pitching advantage, I anticipate their winning ways continue in dominant fashion.

Pick: Reds -1.5 (+140)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.