Analysis: Reds vs Washington Nationals 3/30-4/1

Of course the Reds had to play arguably the best team in the National League on opening day, and the Washington Nationals certainly played like it as they swept Cincinnati in the three-game series although two of contests were close. It felt like Washington was always one step ahead in the series as they never gave the Reds a chance.

The Cincinnati pitching staff had no answers for Nationals' leadoff hitter Adam Eaton who hit two home runs and drove in five runs in the series while racking up eight hits (.615 average). Washington also showed how potent their offense was with 21 runs scored. The Nationals starting pitching was outstanding too allowing only two earned runs in the 27 innings played and striking out 24 batters.

The Reds, however, played well despite being swept. They lost two of the three games by a combined three runs. Scooter Gennett seemingly picked up where he left off from last season with seven hits in 13 at bats in the three game series.

It's still too early to really make an assessment of Cincinnati, but there seems to be some encouraging signs. In the next two weeks, we should be able to get a better understanding of how this season will play out.