Friday, May 24th, 7:05PM – Jordan Zimmermann v. Kyle
Kendrick (MASN HD)
Saturday, May 25th, 7:15PM – Dan Haren v. John Pettibone
(FOX)
Sunday, May 26th, 1:35PM – Stephen Strasburg v. Cole Hamels
(MASN HD)
The Nationals return home after going 4-6 on their west coast road
trip.After losing series to the Giants
and Dodgers, and splitting a series with the Padres, Jordan Zimmermann will
hope to get the homestand off to a good start and turn Washington’s fortunes
around.
Monday, May 20th, 10:15PM – Zach Duke v. Ryan Vogelsong (MASN2 HD)
Tuesday, May 21st, 10:15PM – Stephen Strasburg v. Matt Cain (MASN2 HD)
Wednesday, May 22nd, 3:45PM – Gio Gonzalez v. Madison
Bumgarner (MASN HD)
The Nationals will conclude a west coast road trip with a three game
series against the San Francisco Giants.This series could be what some have predicted as a postseason matchup,
however both teams are currently in 2nd place in their respective
divisions.Don’t worry Nats fans, you
only have to stay up late two more nights.We can make it.
Thursday, May 16th, 10:10PM - Stephen Strasburg v. Edinson Volquez
Friday, May 17th, 10:10PM – Gio Gonzalez v. Burch Smith
Saturday, May 18th, 8:40PM – Jordan Zimmerman v. Eric Stults
Sunday, May 19th, 4:10PM – Dan Haren v. Andrew Cashner
The Nationals are continuing their West Coast swing as they now head to San Diego to face the Padres in a four game series. The Nationals are coming off a series loss to the Dodgers, and may be facing more injury problems. The offense was present in Los Angeles, as they spread out 24 hits over the course of the series. The pitching staff will also look to continue its good form, giving up only 7 runs in the previous series.
Monday, May 13th, 10:10PM – Jordan Zimmermann v. Josh
Beckett (MASN HD)
Tuesday, May 14th, 10:10PM – Dan Haren v. Clayton Kershaw
(MASN2 HD)
Wednesday, May 15th, 10:10PM – Ross Detwiler v. TBA (MASN
HD)
The Nationals concluded a disappointing series with the Cubs on Sunday,
and will now head out to the west coast.A ten game road trip is what the Nationals have in front of them as they
will get a tour of California, while playing three of the NL West’s clubs. The
Nats will hope to bounce back after dropping two in a row, looking for that
form that led to a five game winning streak.
Friday, May 10th, 7:05PM – Ross Detwiler v. Jeff Samardzija (MASN HD) Saturday, May 11th, 4:35PM – Stephen Strasburg v. Edwin Jackson (MASN HD) Sunday, May 12th, 1:35PM – Gio Gonzalez v. Scott Feldman (MASN HD)
After continuing their undefeated season in inter-league play, the Nationals return to National League action as they face the Chicago Cubs. This is the first time the teams meet this year, after the Nationals dominated the season series last year. The Nationals continue to chase the Braves and will look to take advantage of this series.
Tuesday, May 7th, 7:05PM – Jordan Zimmermann v. Anibal Sanchez (MASN HD)
Wednesday, May 8th, 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.
Friday, May 3rd, 7:05PM - Ross Detwiler v. A.J. Burnett (MASN HD)
Saturday, May 4th, 4:05PM - Stephen Strasburg v. Jeff Locke (FOX)
Sunday, May 5th, 1:35PM - Gio Gonzalez v. Wandy Rodriguez (MASN HD)
After splitting a 4-game set with the Atlanta Braves, the Nationals now head north to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates. The Nationals are currently 2.5 games out of first place and will hope to take this series from the upstart Pirates. The Nationals seem to have found their rhythm in Atlanta and there are many interesting aspects coming into this series, and we are here to preview all of them.
Monday, April 29th, 7:10PM - Stephen Strasburg v. Julio Teheran (MASN HD - ESPN out of town)
Tuesday, April 30th, 7:10PM - Gio Gonzalez v. Tim Hudson (MASN HD)
Wednesday, May 1st, 7:10PM - Jordan Zimmermann v. Paul Maholm (MASN HD)
Thursday, May 2nd, 7:10PM - Dan Haren v. Kris Medlen (MASN HD)
After impressively winning 3 in a 4-game series with the Cincinnati Reds at home, the Nationals now head to Atlanta for another 4-game series, this one with their division rivals. The Nationals were swept earlier this season by the Braves and will be looking to cut down the distance in the division race. Expect a lot of Natitude and not so much Gattitude. A huge game and a huge series preview.
Thursday, April 25th, 7:05PM - Gio Gonzalez v. Bronson Arroyo (MASN HD)
Friday, April 26th, 7:05PM - Jordan Zimmermann v. Homer Bailey (MASN HD)
Saturday, April 27th, 1:05PM - Dan Haren v. Mike Leake (FOX)
Sunday, April 28th, 1:35PM - Ross Detwiler v. Tony Cingrani (MASN HD)
After suffering a possibly traumatic sweep to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Nationals will attempt to finally get their act together as they begin a 4-game series with the Cincinnati Reds tonight. These two 2012 division champs have already faced off this year, as the Reds took the series in Cincinnati, two games to one.
Monday, April 22nd, 7:05PM - Dan Haren v. Shelby Miller (MASN HD)
Tuesday, April 23rd, 7:05PM - Ross Detwiler v. Adam Wainwright (MASN HD)
Wednesday, April 24th, 1:05PM - Stephen Strasburg v. Jaime Garcia (MASN HD)
Coming off a disappointing series with the New York Mets, the Nationals now get to head back home for a 7-game home stand against two of the NL Central's best. The first series of the home stand will be against the St. Louis Cardinals, in their first matchup since last season's NLDS (all info on that has been redacted).
Friday, April 19, 7:10PM - Stephen Strasburg v. Matt Harvey (MASN2 HD)
Saturday, April 20, 3:05PM - Gio Gonzalez v. Jeremy Hefner (FOX)
Sunday, April 21, 1:10PM - Jordan Zimmermann v. Dillon Gee (MASN2 HD)
After winning a three game set with the Miami Marlins, the Washington Nationals head north to New York where they will take on the New York Mets at Citi Field.
This is the first match-up this year between the division rivals. We've got our analysis, song of the series, our matchup to watch, and a classic series moment with FP and the clapper after the break.
Major League baseball scheduling has set us up with a great National League matchup here during opening week. The Nats, 3-0 and only undefeated team in baseball, will travel to Cinci to take on the 2-1 Reds.
At the end of the 2012 regular season the two teams with the best records in baseball were the Washington Nationals #1 (.605) and the Cincinnati Reds #2 (.599). However, both teams underachieved when it came to the playoffs each losing in 5 game series against the Cardinals and World Series Champs the Giants respectively.
The Reds opened up the season at home with a loss to the Angels but picked up the next 2 games.
They were considering using their top reliever, flamethrower Aroldis Chapman as a starter but he is going to be throwing heat from the pen. If the Nationals get behind, he could be in to shut them down. But Chapman has pitched in all 3 games so far, and the past 2 days, so he will probably not be available for all 3 games.
Possible NL MVP candidate Joey Votto hasn't homered yet. He is going to be licking his lips seeing the duo of Haren & Detwiler the next two days.
Your pitching matchups:
Dan Haren vs Homer Bailey - 7:10pm
Ross Detwiler vs Mike Leake - 1:10pm
Stephen Strasburg vs Johnny Cueto - 1:10pm
Notice any awesome pitching matchups there? How about Strasburg vs Cueto, 2 possible Cy Young candidates.
Going with Redman for the song of the series: Mostly for the first 2 words of the song...
We think the Reds are going to challenge the Nats for the best record in the NL. The teams have several parallels. It will be a good early challenge for the Natty's but nothing to get too worked up over no matter the results.
Prediction: Reds take 2 of 3
Stay tuned to the Nexus for coverage of the series and follow @DCSportsNexus for live tweeting
Hello boys and girls! How are you? You know, today is going to be a wonderful day! It's the start of the 2013 season. And the Washington Nationals first challenge will be a 3 game homeset against the Florida Marlins.
Free Hats, $1 Hot Dogs! Welcome back Nationals!
The Marlins were a train-wreck last season. Despite paying a bunch of guys some good money and opening a new stadium the team was a joke. By the end of the season not only was their Showtime series cancelled due to total lack of interest, but they traded away the major pieces of their roster.
The fish finished with 69 wins, but as is tradition, the Marlins gave the Nationals a hard time last season. Despite the poor play, the Nats and Marlins series ended at 9-9.
This season the Nationals are predicted to do big things while the Marlins are expected to remain at the bottom of the National League. But looking at the past, I wouldn't take this first series too lightly.
Your probable pitching matchups:
Game 1: Monday - 1:05pm - Ricky Nolasco vs Stephen Strasburg - Free Terrible Hats Game 2: Wednesday - 7:05pm - Kevin Slowey vs Gio Gonzalez - $1 Hot Dogs Game 3: Thursday - 4:05pm - Wade LeBlanc vs Jordan Zimmermann -
Prediction: The Nats take 2 out of 3.
It seems like 4 game series are becoming the norm for the Nats as they hit the road for 4 games against the Astros. Here is how the series stacks up:
Monday: 8:05 PM, Jackson (6-7) vs Keuchel (1-4).
Tuesday: 8:05 PM, Detwiler (6-4) vs Lyles (2-8).
Wednesday: 8:05 PM, Gonzalez (13-6) vs Galarraga (0-1).
Thursday: 8:05 PM, Zimmermann (8-6) vs Harrell (9-7).
Game of the Series: Thursday. Zimmermann vs Harrell is a showdown between the best pitchers each team has to offer. Should be a good one.
Sound of the Series: Run To The Hills. This song gets me pumped up, so why not?
Prediction Time: My baseball knowledge is put to the test as I predict how the series is going to go. Tell me how wrong you think I am in the comments or on Twitter @dru90.
After winning their 5th game in a row by completing a sweep over the Mets, the Nats stay on the road to face the Brewers in a 4 game series. The Brewers are under .500 and have lost 6 in a row. This is how the series breaks down:
Thursday: 8:10 PM, Jackson (5-6) vs Gallardo (8-7).
Friday: 8:10 PM, Detwiler (5-3) vs Fiers (3-4).
Saturday: 7:10 PM, Zimmermann (7-6) vs Wolf (3-6).
Sunday: 2:10 PM, Gonzalez (13-5) vs Greinke (9-3).
Game of the Series: Sunday. Gio had to square off against the Mets best pitcher Dickey, and now he is doing it again against Greinke. Going to be a good one.
Sound of the Series: Beer. It's the Brewers so this is the first song that came to mind. Enjoy the series, I think it's going to be a good one.
Prediction Time:
Baseball reputation on the line. Tell me I'm dumb in the comments or via twitter @dru90.
After splitting the series with the Braves, the Nats hit the road to face the New York Mets. Here is how the series breaks down:
Monday: 7:10 PM, Zimmermann (7-6) vs Young (2-4).
Tuesday: 7:10 PM, Gonzalez (12-5) vs Dickey (13-1).
Wednesday: 12:10 PM, Strasburg (10-4) vs Hefner (1-3).
Game of the Series: Tuesday. Gio vs Dickey. If this sounds familiar, that's because they faced each other on July 19th.
Sound of the Series: Song by Kiss, about New York. Hopefully that Nat's find their winning groove in NYC.
Prediction Time: Putting what I know about America's pasttime to the test by predicting the outcomes. Yell at me for my mistakes in the comments or on twitter @dru90.
The Nat's face off against their most immediate division rival in a 4 game series, which includes a double header. Needless to say, this one is a big deal. Here's how it breaks down:
Friday: 7:05 PM, Hanson (10-5) vs Strasburg (10-4).
Saturday: 1:05 PM, Sheets (1-0) vs Jackson (5-5).
Saturday: 7:05 PM, Delgado (4-9) vs Detwiler (4-3).
Sunday: 1:35 PM, Jurrjens (3-3) vs Zimmermann (7-6).
*with double headers pitching match ups are suspect to change.
Game of the Series: Saturday. Ben Sheets is second start in his long await return from injury and will be facing Jackson. If Strasburg can take care of Hanson, the series may depend on this game.
Sound of the Series: Seems like every series this year against the Braves has been huge. Well Here It Goes Again.
Prediction Time: Putting my reputation as a baseball guy on the line by saying how the series is going to play out. I'm probably wrong so yell at me in the comments or on twitter @dru90.
All Star Break is over and the Nats are being thrown right back into the fray of the NL East. They face the Marlins in Miami in a four game series to open up the second half. As talked about, Davey is going with a new order rotation, so here is how the series stacks up:
Friday: 7:10 PM, Zimmermann (5-6) vs Johnson (5-5).
Saturday: 7:10 PM, Gonzalez (12-3) vs Buehrle (8-8).
Sunday: 1:10 PM, Strasburg (9-4) vs Nolasco (8-6).
Monday: 7:10 PM, Jackson (5-4) vs Zambrano (4-7).
Game of the Series: Saturday. Gonazalez versus Buehrle is the big time match up in this four game series. Buehrle is also the guy with this best shot of beating the Nationals on the Marlins.
Sound of the Series: Easy choice this week. The All Star Game is nice and everything, but baseball fans everywhere just want regular baseball back.
Prediction Time: Putting my reputation as a "baseball guy" on the line by predicting
the outcomes of each series. Feel free to yell at me in the comments or
on twitter @dru90.
After sweeping one of the hottest teams in baseball, the Nats continue their pre-allstar homestand with a three game series against the Rockies. It was during the last Colorado series that the Nats discovered their new found offensive firepower. Here is how it stacks up:
Friday: 7:05 PM, Pomeranz (0-3) vs Strasburg (9-3).
Saturday: 4:05 PM, Francis (2-1) vs Gonzalez (11-3).
Sunday: 1:35 PM, Guthrie (3-8) vs Zimmermann (5-6).
Game of the Series: Friday. You know Strasburg is going to be motivated after seeing the team lose during his last two starts.
Sound of the Series: Buster Poindexter's Hot Hot Hot seems like a pretty good song to describe how the Nats have been playing of late. Also the weather...I saw it was going to be 106 on Saturday.
Prediction Time: Putting my reputation as a "baseball guy" on the line by predicting
the outcomes of each series. Feel free to yell at me in the comments or
on twitter @dru90.
After surviving the Atlanta Braves and triple digit temperatures the Nats return home to Washington to face the newly first place San Fransico Giants. Here is how the series stacks up:
Tuesday: 6:35 PM, Lincecum (3-8) vs Zimmermann (4-6). *#IYNT Tweet-UP!
Wednesday: 11:05 AM, Bumgarner (10-4) vs Jackson (4-4).
Thursday: 7:05 PM, Cain (9-3) vs Detwiler (4-3).
Game of the Series: It's got to be Tuesday, the IYNT Tweet-Up. We'll all be at the game, will you?
Sound of the Series: I'm not sure these Giants are for real yet, that's why the music for this series comes from They Might Be Giants. Here is Till My Head Falls Off.
Prediction Time: Putting my reputation as a "baseball guy" on the line by predicting
the outcomes of each series. Feel free to yell at me in the comments or
on twitter @dru90.
