Diamondbacks at Nationals
The Arizona Diamondbacks added to the Washington Nationals' scoring woes during Tuesday's series opener. Joe Saunders will look to continue the trend on Wednesday when he faces the Nationals, who have mustered seven runs during their five-game losing skid.
Justin Upton drove in a pair of runs in Tuesday's 5-1 win for the Diamondbacks, who have won four of their last five contests during their 10-game road trip. Washington's Bryce Harper went 0-for-3 in his home debut and fell to 2-for-9 since being recalled Saturday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, MASN2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Joe Saunders (2-1, 0.90 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Edwin Jackson (1-1, 3.16 ERA)
Saunders was downright spectacular in his last start, scattering three hits in a complete-game shutout of the Miami Marlins on Friday. The 30-year-old has allowed only four runs and 19 hits over 30 innings this season. Saunders has split four career decisions versus the Nationals, but has registered an impressive 1.11 WHIP while limiting the club to only a .225 batting average.
Jackson is also coming off a solid performance, but his results haven't been as kind. The 28-year-old tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings versus San Diego, but settled for a no-decision in a 2-1 loss Thursday. Jackson is 1-2 with a slim 1.14 WHIP in his career against the Diamondbacks.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington right fielder Jayson Werth returned after being sidelined with a migraine to go 1-for-3 on Tuesday. Werth has homered twice en route to going 3-for-10 in his career versus Saunders.
2. Arizona second baseman Aaron Hill, who has reached base in 18 straight games, is 7-for-33 in his career versus Jackson.
3. Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who is nursing a shoulder injury, began throwing Tuesday and could be set to return from the disabled list Sunday.