Series Preview: Orioles vs. Nationals
The Baltimore Orioles travel down I-95 to take on the Washington Nationals for the second portion of the Beltway Series. The Orioles come into D.C. losing nine of their last ten contests while posting the leagues worst record at 20-50. The Nationals return home after being swept by the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend and splitting a double header with the Yankees on Monday with a 38-32 record. Let’s check out the pitching matchups:
Game One: David Hess (2-3, 4.13 ERA) vs. Jefry Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
David Hess will take the mound for the Orioles for the series opener on Tuesday. In his last start, Hess struggled with command as he walked four batters in 3.1 innings of work. Hess faced the Nationals on May 30 and allowed one run over six innings, but took the loss.
Jefry Rodriguez will get the start for the Nationals on Tuesday night. Rodriguez will be making his first career start in the majors, but made one appearance out of the bullpen against the Atlanta Braves on June 3.
Game Two: Andrew Cashner (2-8, 4.98 ERA) vs. Gio Gonzalez (6-3, 3.01 ERA)
Andrew Cashner will get the ball for the middle game of the series. Cashner went on the 10-day DL with a sore lower back, and will be making his return on Wednesday. Cashner posted a quality start in his last outing, going six innings allowing three runs against the Blue Jays.
Gio Gonzalez will take the mound for the Nationals on Wednesday. Gonzalez struggled in his last start against the Blue Jays, going six innings while allowing five runs and taking the loss. On May 28, Gonzalez faced the Orioles and threw 7.2 scoreless innings while picking up the win.
Game Three: Kevin Gausman (3-6, 4.48 ERA) vs. (Max Scherzer (10-3, 2.06 ERA)
Kevin Gausman will take the mound for the Orioles in the series finale on Thursday. Gausman last only 5.2 innings in his last start against the Miami Marlins, allowing two runs and taking the loss.
Max Scherzer will get the ball for the Nationals for the series finale on Thursday. Scherzer is having another Cy Young-caliber season for the Nationals, as he leads the majors in strikeouts. In his last start, Scherzer allowed two runs over six innings while striking out 10 against the Blue Jays and picked up the loss. Scherzer faced the Orioles on May 30, and went eight scoreless innings while striking out 12 batters.
The Orioles look to turn their abysmal season around as they sit in the cellar of the American League East by 12 games. The Nationals are looking to chase down the Braves, as they sit 3.5 games back of first place. The Nationals currently lead this year’s Beltway Series 3-0. but the Orioles hold the all time record at 38-29. The Nationals have won the last five meetings between the two teams, but have failed to win the Beltway Series since 2007.
