Series Preview: Tigers @ Nationals vs Rain

 

Pitching Matchups, Times, & TV Listings

Tuesday, May 7^th, 7:05PM – Jordan Zimmermann v. Anibal Sanchez (MASN HD)

Wednesday, May 8^th, 7:05PM – Dan Haren v. Doug Fister (MASN HD)

Possible rain out doubleheader tomorrow?

The Nationals have won 4 of the last 5, taking the last 2 games of their series with the Braves and Pirates.  After ending their fairly successful road trip, the Nationals head back home to take on the red-hot Tigers in a two game series.  The Nationals enter their second inter-league series with a lot of confidence, exactly what they need to be successful against the defending American League champions.

Series Preview

The Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers are matched up in a 2-game set in Washington, as they will match up later in the season, playing 2 games in Detroit.

Jordan Zimmermann and Dan Haren will be taking the mound for the first time since their back to back 1-hit performances in Atlanta.  They will hope to continue their run of good form as they match up with the potent Detroit lineup.  Anibal Sanchez has also been performing very well this year, and he was known to give the Nationals a rough time during his time with the Marlins.

The Nationals started hitting the ball well against the inexperienced Pittsburgh pitching staff, and now they get to match up against the much more reliable staff of the Tigers.  Sanchez and Fister will both attempt to power through the strikeout-prone lineup of the Nationals, but if they can get through that and into the shaky bullpen, expect good results for the offense.

SERIES NOTES:

• The off day Monday and a possible rain day can help Jayson Werth rest his sore hamstring as well as give Bryce a few days rest.  Werth is aiming to return to the lineup tonight.

Song of the Series: Song 2 by Blur

Everybody that’s ever been to a sporting event knows this song.  This is commonly played after a hockey goal, home run, or touchdown, as the crowd stands and shouts “whoohoo!”  The Nationals offense has been providing some exciting moments recently, and this song could work perfectly into the Nationals Park playlist.  Not to mention, the number of games in this series is in the title of the song.

Matchup to Watch: Tigers Starting Pitching v. Nationals Offense

This matchup is more than likely what will decide the series.   Of course this may sound obvious, but if Sanchez and Fister can shut down the Nationals lineup and give 7 or 8 strong innings, then that gives a big advantage to the Tigers.  However, if the Nationals are able to find a way to power through the starters and into the bullpen, then that gives a big advantage to the Nationals.  This can work the same way for the Tigers however, due to the early season struggles of the Washington bullpen.

Written By Kevin Craig