Reds, Nationals open second half lagging in wild-card chase

(Photo credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK)

It's been a season of ups and downs for the Cincinnati Reds and despite the setbacks, the club is still within striking distance of a playoff spot.

The Reds look to inch closer to that goal when they visit the Washington Nationals on Friday for the first of three games to kick off the second halfof the season for both clubs.

The Reds are 47-50 and fourth in the