|
|
Into the nation's capital got the Diamondbacks, and if it doesn't seem like long ago that we last faced the Nationals, that would be because it wasn't. We split a four-game set with them just last week back in Phoenix, though the two teams' fortunes have gone in sharply different directions since that point. Washington have lost five of six to the Dodgers and Marlins, while Arizona went 5-2 against the Padres and Brewers. the Diamondbacks will be looking to continue their success against NL East opposition, against whom they are 15-14 this season.
Line-up and stuff after the jump.
- Chris Young CF
- Kelly Johnson 2B
- Justin Upton RF
- Adam LaRoche 1B
- Miguel Montero C
- Mark Reynolds 3B
- Stephen Drew SS
- Gerardo Parra LF
- Joe Saunders LHP
We missed Lannan the last series, but he has been very effective against Arizona in the past. He has three career starts facing the Diamondbacks, and has allowed only a single earned run in 19 inning of work. If he has an issue, it may be control. Last time we saw him, in May 2009, he shut us out for six frames on three hits, but walked six batters. That generally hasn't been so much of an issue for him this season, Lannan averaging four BB per nine IP. Kelly Johnson and Ryan Church are the only AZ players with ten or more PAs, and both have done well, going 6-for-15 and 5-for-13 respectively.
Joe Saunders pitched a complete game when he faced the Nationals on August 3rd, allowing one run - a homer, naturally - on five hits with two walks. However, his last outing, against the Padres, didn't go quite as well, taking the loss as he gave up five earned runs in six innings. We'll be looking for better tonight. Or this afternoon, since with it being an East coast series, it's an early start. By the time I actually get to see any of this, the game will be well under way - and if it's anything like yesterday, will effectively be over. Not sure if that's a good thing or not, but at least I can get the recap up before settling in for Epix's Friday the 13th marathon!