Happy July 4th to everyone on this Independence Day. This day has been greeted with happiness since 1776 for Americans, and it is fitting that MLB has the Washington Nationals kick-off this special day with a mid-day classic. There is always the question of who goes home happy today as there is only one team that wins in these games of skill. The Washington Nationals have their backs against the wall and will need to come close to a 48-30 finish to the season for any legitimate chance to winning the NL East. It’s possible, but highly improbable if they keep playing like they have recently.
In a season where you think you have seen it all, you have A.J. Cole helping his ex-teammates keep the Atlanta Braves in check as he earned the win last night for his new team in beating the team that beat him up twice earlier in the season. Baseball certainly allows for redemption.
The Nationals have plenty of current players who need to redeem themselves. The new attitude needs to start now. You can’t start a winning streak without the first win. Today’s hopes are with Erick Fedde who won on Friday night against the Phillies. Sure, he got 11-runs of support en route to the win. Today the Nats face another lefty in Eduardo Rodriguez and his 4.11 ERA.
Finally, Juan Soto gets a day-off. We hope it is the Nationals players who are giving happy handshakes after this game.
Boston Red Sox vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 11:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN; MLB App out-of-market
Nats Radio: 106.7 The Fan and via the MLB app
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
- Adam Eaton LF
- Trea Turner SS
- Anthony Rendon 3B
- Bryce Harper RF
- Mark Reynolds 1B
- Michael Taylor CF
- Wilmer Difo 2B
- Pedro Severino C
- Erick Fedde RHP
