#MLB Free Pick from Mike Lundin
(MLB) Washington vs. Cincinnati,
Money Line: -131.00 Washington (Away)
Result: Win
Play: Washington Nationals
Rating: 5/10*

The Washington Nationals enter the second half of the season top of the NL East. The Cincinnati Reds meanwhile are dead last in the NL Central. Good spot to back the Nats here with Gio Gonzalez on the mound.

Gonzalez (7-4, 2.86 ERA) has posted a 2.37 ERA through his last three starts and I don't think the break will affect him poorly as the Nats are 5-0 in Gonzalez's last five starts with seven or more days of rest. The 31 year old southpaw has allowed three runs or fewer in 16 of 18 starts on the season and he's 3-2 with a 2.98 ERA in eight career starts against the Reds who are 22-47 in their last 69 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Adleman (5-6, 4.71 ERA) will face the Nats for the first time in his career, but note that he's 1-4 with a 5.23 ERA in his last six starts overall.

The Nationals are 6-2 in the last eight meetings and 5-2 in their last seven Friday games. The Reds are 1-4 in Adleman's last five Friday starts.

Join Mike's elite club this Friday with two separate packages; Mike's Late Night Rays/Angels *NIGHTCRAWLER* (8*) and the BIG PLAY for the night, Mike's Top Rated 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*!