Washington Nationals vs Oakland Athletics 5/10 Lineup and Preview
The Washington Nationals will look to even up the series against the Oakland Athletics a day after they suffer a shellacking that resulted in them losing eight to zero. The Nationals will try to bounce back with Tanner Roark on the mound, who is two starts removed from his complete game, and he will almost need to duplicate such a game as his counterpart is Sonny Gray. Gray is off to a record pacing start to the season with an ERA of 1.91 and a record of 4-1. Against Gray every at bat will count and the Nationals will need to learn how to hit at the spacious Oakland Coliseum if they wish to tie this series up.
Tanner Roark will have to bounce back after allowing 7 runs in 4 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in his last start. With Roark sporting a 2-1 record and an ERA of 4.17 he will need to bring some extra stuff if he wishes to compete with a possible All-star, Gray, on the mound. The Nationals will combat the potential All-star with this lineup:
Span 8
Frandsen 3
Rendon 5
Werth DH
Ramos 2
Desmond 6
McLouth 9
Espinosa 4
Walters 7
The Nationals hope the lineup can somehow spark this near dead offense that has only scored 12 runs and has hit .223 in their last six games resulting in them going 2-4 over that span. Zach Walters will be making his first start of the year in left field. The natural shortstop has definitely brought a power bat to the bench since he was called up as he has hit two pinch hit home runs already this year. Kevin Frandsen will be making his second start at first base in as many days with Adam LaRoche completely sitting out this game, most likely to give his injured quad some rest.
Not only will the Nationals look to tie up their first West Coast series of the year but they will also look to retain the lead in the NL East as they are .5 games behind both the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves.
