Reds at Nationals
If the Washington Nationals continue to pitch this well, they are sure
to be major players in the National League East. The Nationals will try
for their fifth straight victory when they host the Cincinnati Reds on
Saturday in the third of a four-game series. Right-hander Edwin Jackson,
who signed a one-year, $11 million deal during the off-season, makes
his second start for Washington and will try to follow excellent
performances by starter Jordan Zimmermann and the bullpen in Friday’s
2-1 victory in 13 innings. The Nationals, who are off to a 6-2 start,
have a team ERA of 1.92.
Cincinnati has lost four of its last five, including consecutive
extra-inning games to the Nationals. The Reds have scored 22 runs – nine
in the last five games – and desperately need second baseman Brandon
Phillips, who missed three games with a hamstring injury before pinch
hitting Friday. Also, Scott Rolen is off to a 3-for-26 start.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), MASN2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (0-1, ERA 6.35) vs. Nationals RH Edwin Jackson (0-0, ERA 5.40)
Bailey allowed three homers in the first inning after getting two quick
outs in Monday’s 7-1 loss to St. Louis. Bailey was the seventh overall
pick in the 2004 draft, but hasn’t come anywhere near validating that
rating with a 25-24 career record and 4.91 ERA. The Nationals’ roster
has limited experience against Bailey (8-for-24).
Jackson’s Washington debut didn’t go as planned when he allowed three
runs and four hits in five innings in the Nationals’ 4-3 loss to the
Mets on Monday. He has faced the Reds once in his career and received a
no-decision after allowing two runs and eight hits in seven innings
while pitching for St. Louis last season. The Cincinnati roster is
11-for-40 against him, with Rolen 3-for-7 (homer).
WALK-OFFS
1. A sacrifice fly by Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo in the fifth inning
Friday snapped a 23-inning scoreless streak by Nationals’ starters.
2. Washington center fielder Rick Ankiel is expected to come off the
15-day disabled list Saturday after recovering from a left quadriceps
injury.
3. The teams used six pitchers apiece Friday.