Game 3 lineups: Nats at Reds

CINCINNATI - To the best of my knowledge, the Nationals have batted the pitcher eighth only 11 times in club history. All of those came in succession during a stretch in June 2011, when then-manager Jim Riggleman didn't have a real viable leadoff hitter and decided to just bump everyone else up a slot and have Jayson Werth at the top. The Nats proceeded to win 10 of those 11 games, at which point Riggleman decided to resign over a contract dispute.

The Nationals haven't batted the pitcher eighth again ... until today. Yes, Davey Martinez (as he promised during spring training) is giving it a try for the series finale against the Reds. Adam Eaton, fresh off a 5-for-5 day, is still leading off. But Wilmer Difo, getting his first start at second base, will bat ninth with Gio Gonzalez in the 8-spot.

Martinez's rationale for this sort of thing: He said this spring he likes to do it when his starting pitcher isn't necessarily expected to go deep in the game, figuring he might be pinch-hitting for him the second time around the order anyway. So don't be surprised if Gonzalez has a short leash on him for his season debut.

Right-hander Sal Romano, who had a 4.45 ERA in 16 starts last season as a rookie, gets the nod today for the Reds. Oh, and by the way, you do remember who Cincinnati's bench coach is these days, right? Yes, Jim Riggleman. See, it all comes full circle ...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at CINCINNATI REDS
Where: Great American Ball Park
Gametime: 4:10 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com, XM 869
Weather: Rain late, 50 degrees, wind 6 mph out to right field

NATIONALS
LF Adam Eaton
3B Anthony Rendon
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
SS Trea Turner
CF Michael A. Taylor
C Miguel Montero
LHP Gio Gonzalez
2B Wilmer Difo

REDS
CF Billy Hamilton
3B Eugenio Suárez
1B Joey Votto
LF Adam Duvall
2B Scooter Gennett
C Devin Mesoraco
RF Scott Schebler
SS José Peraza
RHP Sal Romano