Reds at Nationals
Everything is turning up roses for the Nationals, who are off to their best start since 1981, when they were known as the Montreal Expos. Even Adam LaRoche, famous for his slow starts, is batting .333 with 10 RBIs. The Nationals’ starting rotation has a 1.58 ERA through nine starts, including Edwin Jackson’s two-hit complete game on Saturday.
While the Nationals are clicking at 7-2, the Reds are struggling to score runs with Drew Stubbs batting .147 (5-for-34) and Jay Bruce off to a .235 (8-for-34) start. Second baseman Brandon Phillips hasn't started since suffering a left hamstring cramp on Monday, but he’s expected to be in the lineup for Sunday’s series finale.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSO (Cincinnati), MASN2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Mike Leake (0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Leake, who gave up three runs over six innings against the Cardinals last Tuesday, is making his 50th start for the Reds. He is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in four career starts against the Nationals. Leake gave up 23 homers in 167 2/3 innings last season, and he allowed two homers in his first outing.
After an impressive spring training, Detwiler was named the Nationals’ fifth starter over John Lannan. Detwiler, who shut out the Mets through five innings on only two hits last Tuesday, is 0-3 in three career starts against the Reds despite recording a quality start in each outing. Jay Bruce is 0-for-7 with three strikeouts against Detwiler.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Miguel Cairo is listed as day-to-day after leaving Saturday’s game with a strained left hamstring.
2. Nationals reliever Sean Burnett hasn’t appeared in a game since Wednesday because of a sore back. He’s hoping to be available on Sunday.
3. Rick Ankiel went 0-for-4 in his first game Saturday after starting the season on the disabled list with a left quadriceps injury.