The Washington Nationals are 32-48 heading into this game that will set the halfway mark in the season after the game is completed. It is easy math to do your interpolation or extrapolation to just multiply non-average stats by two. For instance if Joey Meneses does not homer today, he would be on a pace of just four home runs on the season. More importantly, if the Nats can win tonight — they would be on a 66-win pace. If they lose, it’s a 64-win pace.
Today’s starter is Josiah Gray and he will be on the same mound as Philadelphia’s starter, LHP Cristopher Sanchez. The Nats will counter with Stone Garrett as their starting left fielder. In roster moves, Patrick Corbin went on the bereavement list, and Jose Ferrer was called up to take his spot and of course put in the bullpen. That gives manager Dave Martinez a ninth bullpen arm.
“Relentless. They’re playing together. They’ve got that one heartbeat.”
— manager Dave Martinez said after the previous game
The Nats starting pitchers have a combined ERA of 4.46 for 19th best in MLB. A few more good games by the Nats starters and they can push back into the top-half of starting pitchers.
Here is how they rank:
No. 5 Starter: Patrick Corbin 4.84
No. 4 Starter: Jake Irvin 4.72
No. 3 Starter: Trevor Williams 4.28
No. 2 Starter: MacKenzie Gore 3.89
No. 1 Starter: Josiah Gray 3.43
Here is your Baseball Savant Statcast Link for the game.
Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Stadium: Citizen’s Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1st Pitch: 6:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN
Radio: 106.7 The Fan radio and via the MLB app
