Series Preview: Nats @ Marlins

After a rough series against the team with an MLB-Best record, the Atlanta Braves (11-1), the Nationals head to Florida to face the team tied for the MLB-Worst record, the Miami Marlins (2-10), in hopes of a bounce back performance.

The Nationals already swept the Marlins earlier in the season, but have looked out of sorts as of late, specifically in matchups agains the Reds & Braves, 2 of the better teams in the NL.  A loss or 2 to the Marlins could send Nats fans (irrationally) into an all out panic.

Game Preview: Nats @ Giants (8/15)

Game Preview: Nats @ Giants (8/14)

Nationals @ Diamondbacks: Game Preview

Nationals vs Diamondbacks

9:40 PM Chase Field

MASN-2

Story Lines:

• Nats are looking to win their 5th straight game after sweeping the Astros.
• The D-backs are currently in third place, but are over .500 and looking to stay in the playoff picture. 

Pitching Match Up:

• Stephen Strasburg
• 12-5 with a 2.97 ERA

• Trevor Cahill
• 9-9 with a 3.76 ERA.

Who to Watch:

• Adam LaRoche
• Hitting .667 against Cahill in the last 5 seasons.

Game Preview: Nats @ Astros (8/9)

Story Lines

• Jordan Zimmermann will be going for the Astros' throats tonight, for his ninth win and the sixth consecutive win for the Nationals.
• Lucas Harrell is attempting to stop a nine-game slide and avoid another sweep.

Pitching Matchup

Jordan Zimmerman

• 8-6 with an awe-striking 2.45 ERA.
• Pitcher of the month in July.
• Gave up five runs (four earned) in his last start vs. the Marlins

Lucas Harrell

• 9-7, ERA of 3.98
• 6-1 with a 2.02 ERA in nine home starts.
• On a Strasburgian Innings Limit

Who To Watch

Michael Morse

• Seventeen game hit streak on the line
• Batting .298 with 8 home runs and 34 RBIs.

Nationals @ Astros - Game Preview (8/8)

Story Lines:

• Gio Gonzalez and Kurt Suzuki will be reunited since their days in Oakland.
• Armando Galarraga might sound familiar, and this is why.
• Series victory can be clinched tonight with a Nats win.

Pitching Match Up:

• Gio Gonzalez
• 13-6 with a 3.34 ERA.
• Has given up 4 runs in each of his last two starts.
• Has had a winning record in each month this season.

• Armando Galarraga
• 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA.
• Hasn't pitched more than 5.1 innings in either of his starts this season.
• He gave up 7 walks, 5 hits, and 4 runs in 5.1 innings his last start.

 Who to Watch:

• Jayson Werth
• Recorded a hit in a pinch hit appearance last night.
• Hitting .471 since returning from injury.
• Has not homered since returning.

Keys to the Game:

1. G-G-Gio Time. Look for Gio to pitch lights out with his old team mate behind the plate. 
2. Work the Count.  Galarraga has struggled with control in his first two starts of his season.
3. Harper Homer.  If Harper knocks one out of the park, the Nats are going to win tonight.

Game Preview: Nationals @ Astros (8/7)

Marlins @ Nationals: Game Preview (8/5)

Marlins vs Nationals

1:35 PM Nationals Park

MASN-2

Story Lines:

• Nationals look to take 3 of 4 from the Marlins, and hold onto their lead over the Braves in the NL East.
• Strasburg looks to rebound today, after he was roughed up last start against the Phillies.

Pitching Match Up:

• Ricky Nolasco
• 8-10 with a 4.90 ERA.
• Has given up 4 or more runs in each of his last 4 starts.
• Went 5.1 innings his last start against Washington surrendering 4 runs on 6 hits.

• Stephen Strasburg
• 11-5 with a 3.12 ERA.
• Only lasted 4 innings his last start where he surrendered 6 runs on 8 hits.
• His last start against Miami was 6 innings of shutout ball.

Who to Watch:

• Jose Reyes
• It starts and ends right now with Reyes.  Went 3-4 with 4 runs scored yesterday.
• Also had 2 stolen bases against Nats pitching.
• Is hitting .571 during this series.

• Kurt Suzuki
• Went 0-3 leaving 3 men stranded on the bases last night in his debut.
• Prior to yesterday, he had a 5 game hitting streak going.
• With a large crowd expected, look for him to make a big splash today.

Keys to the Game:

1. Keep Stras Calm.  Don't let him get rattled, and don't let him press because of what happened last game.  Interested to see how him and Suzuki work together.
2. Get Reyes Out.  Do not let him get on the base path.  Bad things happen.
3. Patience.  Nolasco has given up runs his last few starts, the opportunities will come to score.

Marlins @ Nationals: Game Preview (8/4)

Marlins vs Nationals

7:05 PM Nationals Park

MASN-2

Story Lines:

• After splitting the double header yesterday, the Nats look to take the lead in the series with a win.
• Kurt Suzuki will be in town after the Nats traded to get him from the A's.

Pitching Match Up:

• Mark Buehrle
• 9-10 with a 3.60 ERA.
• Pitched 7 innings and gave up 1 run his last time against Washington.
•  His last start he went 4.1 innings and gave up 6 runs.

• Jordan Zimmermann
• 8-6 with a 2.28 ERA.
• Pitched 6 innings of shutout ball last time against Miami.
• Pitched 6 inning of 1 run baseball during his last start.

Who to Watch:

• Jose Reyes
• Hitting .280 with 7 homeruns and 30 RBIs this season.
• Went 5-10 during the double header yesterday.
• Had 0 strikeouts during the double header.

• Adam LaRoche
• Went 3-7 in the double header yesterday.
• Also had a HR and 3 RBIs.
• Has 21 homeruns and 67 RBIs this season.

Keys to the Game:

1. Do What You Do J-zimm.  If it's not broke, don't fix it.
2. Limit Base Runners.  Quick innings would be nice after a long day yesterday.
3. Werth Homer.  Going with a guy feeling, if he homers the Nats will win.

Phillies @ Nationals: Game Preview (8/2)

Phillies vs Nationals

7:05 PM Nationals Park

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• Dangerous times for the Nats, who will try to avoid the sweep facing Cole Hamels.
• Will the Nats offense wake up with some run support tonight?
• Nats will look to gain some momentum going into tomorrows double-header.

Pitching Match Up:

• Cole Hamels
• 11-5 with a 3.31 ERA.
• Is 2-0 against the Nats this year, having surrendered 1 run.
• Surrendered 5 runs, 3 of them earned, in 5 innings his last start.

• Ross Detwiler
• 5-4 with a 3.24 ERA.
• Has not faced Philly this season.
• Gave up 4 runs over 4.2 innings his last start.

Who to Watch:

•  Chase Utley
• Hitting .286 with double and an RBI against Detwiler.
• Went 2-4 in yesterday's game and drew a walk.
• Hitting .375 in the series.

• Ryan Zimmerman
• Has sat out the first two games of the series, but said he would play tonight.
• Came in last night to pinch hit, but was caught stealing.
• Hitting .273 with 2 homeruns, 4 RBIs, and 4 BB against Hamels.

Keys to the Game:

1. Stop the Run Game.  Pierre has had 2 stolen bases in each of the first 2 games.
2. Run Support.  Tonight against Hamels, Detwiler will need some help.
3. Avoid the Sweep.  Not really a "key" to the game, but the Nats should really do this.

Phillies @ Nationals: Game Preview (8/1)

Phillies vs Nationals

7:05 PM Nationals Park

MASN-1

#1: Will FP Santangelo Wear His Shark Hat?

That Guy On The Bottom Interfered With A Nationals Out, But Was For Some Reason Still Happy

#2 Will The Game Get Rained Out

Story Lines:

• Nationals look to rebound after a humiliating loss last night.
• Edwin Jackson looks to move his record above .500 tonight.
• With Cole Hamels on the mound tomorrow, tonight's game is crucial for avoiding a sweep possibility.
• Still no Zimmerman, though he says he will play tomorrow for sure.

Pitching Match Up:

• Vance Worley
• 5-6 with a 3.88 ERA.
• Has given up 41 hits over his last ~27 innings of work.
• Give up double digit hits 3 times this season, including a game against the Nats.

• Edwin Jackson
• 6-6 with a 3.52 ERA.
• Pitched 7 innings of shutout baseball his last time out.
• Has not given up double digit hits at all this season.

Who to Watch:

• Juan Pierre
• Apparently he is a Nats killer?  Batting ..375 lifetime against Jackson.
• Went 3-5 last night with 2 runs scored.
• Also had 2 stolen bases last night.

• Danny Espinosa
• Batting .222 against Worley with 1 homerun and 2 RBIs lifetime.
• Went 0-4 last night with 2 strikeouts.
• Also stranded 3 men on base.

Keys to the Game:

1. Get Runners In.  Nats had 12 men left of base last night.  Middle of the lineup was particularly bad in this area.
2. Stop Runners.  The Nats also allowed 3 stolen bases.  Got to stop giving away bases to guys like Pierre.
3. Work the Count.  The Nats only drew 1 walk the entire game last night.

 

Phillies @ Nationals: Game Preview (7/31)

Phillies vs Nationals

7:05 PM Nationals Park

MASN-2

Story Lines:

• Phillies have traded away some serious pieces at the trade deadline.  Who will be on the field for them tonight?
• Nationals have done the opposite, choosing to stand pat with the team they have.
• A battle of aces, or it would be if Cliff Lee was pitching like his normal self this season.

Pitching Match Up:

• Cliff Lee
• 1-6 with a 3.95 ERA.
• Gave up 12 hits and 6 runs over 7 innings his last start.
• Has given up 15 homeruns this season.

• Stephen Strasburg
• 11-4 with a 2.76 ERA.
• Gave up 1 run over 7 innings, while striking out 11 his last time out.
• Has given up 10 homeruns this season.

Who to Watch:

• Juan Pierre
• Batting .400 against Strasburg lifetime.
• The only guy I'm sure will be in the outfield tonight for the Phillies.

• Michael Morse
• Batting .358 against Lee lifetime.
• Hit 3 homeruns and drove in 9 runs last week.
• Beastmode is back!

Keys to the Game:

1. Get to Lee Early.  Don't let him get any sort of confidence in the first few innings.
2. Quick Innings.  Don't make Strasburg work longer than he has to in any innings.  NO errors.
3. Statement Game.  Time to show everyone why the team didn't need to make any deadline moves.

Nationals @ Brewers: Game Preview (7/28)

Nationals vs Brewers

7:10 PM Miller Park

MASN-2

Story Lines:

• Jordan Zimmermann will look to continue his dominance and get the Nats back on the winning track.
• The Brewers will be playing knowing that the ace of their staff, Greinke, has been traded to the Angels and will not start tomorrow.

Pitching Match Up:

• Jordan Zimmermann
• 7-6 with a 2.31 ERA.
• All 20 of his starts this season have been quality starts, best in MLB.
• Has given up 1 run over his last 18 innings.

• Randy Wolf
• 3-6 with a 5.46 ERA.
• In the month of July, he has given up 10 runs over 21.2 innings.
• Gave up 2 homeruns last time out.

Who to Watch:

• Michael Morse
• Traditionally has good numbers against Brewers.
• Went 2-4 with 2 RBIs in the first game of the series.
• Has 4 homeruns in the month of July.

• Ryan Braun
• Hitting .314 on the season with 28 homeruns.
• Went 1-4 last night with a run scored and a RBI.
• Has 6 homeruns in the month of July.

Keys to the Game:

1. Do What You Do J-zimm.
2. Keep the Ball in the Yard.  Brewers have a lot of guys who can knock it out, and J-zimm has given up homers this year.
3. Get Runners In.  Nats had 12 guys left on base yesterday.

Nationals @ Brewers: Game Preview (7/27)

Nationals vs Brewers

8:10 Miller Park

MASN-2

Story Lines:

• Nationals will try to be the first team to reach 60 wins this season with a win tonight.
• Nationals will also try to extend their winning streak to 7.
• The Brewers are looking to snap their losing streak at 7.

Pitching Match Up:

• Ross Detwiler
• 5-3 with a 3.01 ERA.
• Hasn't been tagged with a loss since May 19th.
• Has a 1.89 ERA in July over 19 innings pitched.

• Mike Fiers
• 3-4 with a 1.96 ERA.
• Has only gone less than 6 innings in games he started once this season.
• Is 0-2 in July with a 1.33 ERA over 20.1 innings pitched.

Who to Watch:

• Adam LaRoche
• Has a homer streak of 3 games.
• Also has recorded 2 RBIs in each of his last 3 games.
• Batting .293 with 4 homeruns and 12 RBIs in the month of July.

• Aramis Ramirez
• Batting .167 with a homerun against Detwiler.
• Went 2-3 in last nights game.
• Batting .341 with with 14 RBIs in July.

Keys to the Game:

1. Get runners in.  Fiers 1.33 ERA in July shows he isn't giving away many runs.
2. Error Free Defense.  Detwiler has pitched well, but he will give up some baserunners.  Fielders need to back him up.
3. Table Setters Get On.  Odds are if they do, LaRoche will drive them in with a homer.

Nationals @ Brewers: Game Preview (7/26)

Nationals vs Brewers

8:10 PM Miller Park

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• Edwin Jackson will try to rebound after a tough loss last start in which he pitched well.
• The Nationals are trying to move 20 games over .500 with a win tonight.
• The Brewers come into the game having dropped 6 straight.

Pitching Match Up:

• Edwin Jackson
• 5-6 with a 3.73 ERA.
• Pitched 7 innings and only gave up 1 run his last time out.
• In the month of July, he has given up 9 runs over 17.2 innings pitched.

• Yovani Gallardo
• 8-7 with a 3.72 ERA.
• Gave up 4 runs in 5.2 innings his last time out.
• In the month of July, he has given up 6 runs in 25.1 innings pitched.

Who to Watch:

• Adam LaRoche
• Batting .316 with a homerun against Gallardo lifetime.
• Had a homerun and 2 RBIs in last nights win over the Mets.
• Has a 4 game hitting streak, and has homered in each of his last two games.

• Corey Hart
• Batting .462 with 3 homeruns against Jackson lifetime.
• Went 2-5 in his last game with a run scored.
• Homerless since July 16th.

Keys to the Game:

1. Keep the Ball in the Yard.  Jackson has given up multiple homeruns to multiple guys on the Brewers.
2. Run Support.  Another 7 inning, 1 run game from Jackson should be good enough for a win anytime out.
3. Keep the Streak Alive.  Both the Nat's winning streak, and the Brewers losing streak.

Nationals @ Mets: Game Preview (7/25)

Nationals vs Mets

12:10 PM Citi Field

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The Mets will try to avoid their second consecutive sweep by winning today.
• The Nationals are trying to win their 5th game in a row.
• Johan Santana is on the DL, so Jeremy Hefner is replacing him in the rotation.

Pitching Match Up:

• Stephen Strasburg
• 10-4 with a 2.85 ERA.
• Hasn't pitched beyond 6 innings since June 20th.
• Gave up 4 runs in 5.1 innings during his last start.

• Jeremy Hefner
• 1-3 with a 5.85 ERA.
• Last time he faced the Nats, he surrendered 3 runs in 6 innings.
• Has given up 5 runs in his last 3.1 innings.

Who to Watch:

• Adam LaRoche
• Homered off Dickey last night to give the Nats the lead.
• His last two homeruns have come off the Mets.
• Batting .667 lifetime against Hefner with 1 homerun and 3 RBIs.

• Ike Davis
• Batting .400 lifetime against Strasburg.
• Went 1-4 in last nights game.
• His last 2 homeruns have come off of Nationals pitching.

Keys to the Game:

1. Strasburg Double Digit K's.  Time for Stras to bring home the sweep.
2. Hit Hefner Hard.  He's back in the rotation because of Santana's injury.  Hit him hard, early..and the Nats can get to the bullpen quickly.
3. Strikeout Ike.  He is the only Met's player who has more than 1 hit against Stras.

Nationals @ Mets: Game Preview (7/24)

Nationals vs Mets

7:10 PM Citi Field

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The Mets look to break a 4 game losing streak tonight behind R.A. Dickey.
• The Nats look to extend into a 4 game winning streak tonight behind Gio Gonzalez.
• Gio and Dickey faced off July 19th, with Dickey winning the matchup.

Pitching Match Up:

• Gio Gonzalez
• 12-5 with a 3.32 ERA.
• Last time facing the Mets, he went 3.1 innings and gave up 6 runs.
• Has given up the fewest homeruns (6) and the most walks (45) out of the Nats starters.

• R.A. Dickey
• 13-1 with a 2.84 ERA.
• Last time facing the Nats, he went 7.1 innings and gave up 3 runs.
• Has given up 3 runs in 14.2 innings faced against the Nats this season.

Who to Watch:

• Bryce Harper
• Came through big time with his bat in yesterday's 10 inning win.
• Batting .000 with 3 strikeouts against Dickey lifetime.
• Hitting .333 in his last 4 games against the NY Mets.

• David Wright
• Batting 1.000 with a homerun lifetime against Gio.
• Hit 2 homeruns on July 19th against the Nats.
• Hitting .471 in his last 4 games against the Nationals.

Keys to the Game:

1. Patience at the Plate.  Dickey had to come in for a relief appearance during the last series, meaning he wont be as rested tonight.  Let him throw a lot of pitches.
2. Stay Away Wright.  David Wright was outstanding the last series against the Nats, and his homerun last night shows he doesn't plan on slowing down.
3. G-G-Gio Time.  He hasn't looked quite the same since the All Star Break.  Time for him to get back on track.

Nationals @ Mets: Game Preview (7/23)

Nationals vs Mets

7:10 PM Citi Field

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The Mets will look to gain back some ground on the Nationals starting tonight.
• Ian Desmond is hitting the DL for the Nationals, who are being carried by Ryan Zimmerman's hot bat at the moment.
• Young has pitched well against the Nats this season, but hasn't gotten a win against them.

Pitching Match Up:

• Jordan Zimmermann
• 7-6 with a 2.35 ERA.
• Has only allowed 1 run in his last 19 innings.
• Has given up 9 hits, 2 runs, and 0 walks against the Mets this season.

• Chris Young
• 2-4 with a 4.11 ERA.
• Has allowed 10 runs in his last 16 innings.
• Has given up 12 hits, 4 runs, and 2 walks against the Nats this season.

Who to Watch:

• Ryan Zimmerman
• Hitting .294 with a homerun against Young lifetime.
• In the last two series, he has hit 4 homeruns and is hitting .444.
• With Desmond sidelined, he is heating up at just the right time.

• Daniel Murphy
• Hitting .353 with a homerun against Zimmermann lifetime.
• Went 4-5 last night against the Dodgers.
• Went 2-6 in the last series against the Nationals.

Keys to the Game:

1. Do What You Do J-Zimm.  It's working.
2. Table Setters Gotta Set.  Zim is on fire, but the guys in front of him have to get on base.
3. Hit Young Hard.  His height makes a weird arm angle, but the Nats have seen him twice already. 

Braves @ Nationals: Game Preview (7/22)

Braves vs Nationals

1:35 PM Nationals Park

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• The Nats are looking to split their 4 game series with the Braves with a win today.
• With a win the Braves will be with in 1.5 games of taking over first place.

Pitching Match Up:

• Jair Jurrjens
• 3-3 with a 6.20 ERA.
• Has give up 6 homeruns in 9 games.
• Gave up 8 runs on 8 hits in 3.1 innings last start.

• Ross Detwiler
• 4-3 with a 3.15 ERA.
• Has 2.3 strikeouts for every walk this season.
• Pitched 7 scoreless innings last start, but was handed a no decision by the pen.

Who to Watch:

• Martin Prado
• Batting .538 lifetime against Detwiler.
• Went 2-8 in yesterday's doubleheader.
• Had no runs scored or RBIs yesterday.

• Ryan Zimmerman
• Batting .364 lifetime against Jurrjens.
• Also has 5 RBIs and a homerun when facing Jurrjens.
• Went 3-7 in yesterday's doubleheader.

Keys to the Game:

1. Detwiler Goes 7. If Ross does, it will be the third Nats starter to do so.
2. Ryan Zim Goes Yard.  Predicting that a Zim homer will decide this game.
3. No Errors.  In the field or on the bases.  After a long day, staying mentally focused will be a challenge.  

 

Double Header Preview (7/21)

Braves vs Nationals

1:05 PM / 7:05 PM Nationals Park

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• After dropping a heart breaker last night, the Nats need to take at least one of these two games.
• John Lannan will make his first start of the season in the night game.

Pitching Match Ups:

• Ben Sheets
• 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA.
• Making his second start of the season.

• Randell Delgado
• 4-9 with a 4.52 ERA.
• Easily the worst member of the Braves rotation.

• Edwin Jackson
• 5-5 with a 3.89 ERA.
• After a great start of the season, Jackson has struggled his last few times out.

• John Lannan
• 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA.
• First start of the season.  Called up from AAA.

Who to Watch:

• Michael Bourn
• After an extra inning affair last night and two games today, it will be up to the table setters to get on base and make scoring a few runs easy.
• Went 1-5 last night with 2 RBIs.

• Steve Lombardozzi
• See above.  It's all about the table setters today.
• Went 3-5 last night with 2 RBIs.

Keys to the Games:

1. Get Men on Base.  Make things easier on yourself by getting lead off guys on the bases.
2. Run Support.  Braves need to give it to Sheets, Nats to Lannan.  Build those guys' confidence.
3. E-Jax Time.  Jackson needs to eat up a healthy amount of innings tonight to save the bullpen.