Nationals at Reds
The Washington Nationals attempt to complete their first sweep of a
series consisting of at least three games this season when the take on
the Cincinnati Reds in the finale of their three-game set at Great
American Ball Park on Sunday. Washington won the first two contests of a
scheduled three-game series against Miami last month, but the finale
April 22 was rained out.
The Nationals continue to get solid
performances from their starters as Jordan Zimmermann produced the
team's 17th quality start in the last 19 games. Washington's rotation,
which leads the majors with 26 quality starts, has a 2.36 ERA during
that 19-game span.
Cincinnati has lost three of its last four games while Washington has won three in a row and seven of 10.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MASN2, WDCW DC-50 (Washington), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Edwin Jackson (1-1, 3.49 ERA) vs. Reds RH Bronson Arroyo (2-1, 2.75)
Jackson
is seeking his first victory since a brilliant performance against
Cincinnati on April 14, when he allowed one run and two hits while
striking out nine in a complete-game triumph. The 28-year-old is 0-1 in
four starts since. Jackson yielded two runs and three hits over seven
frames at Pittsburgh on Tuesday but came away with a no-decision.
Arroyo
is coming off a strong effort at Milwaukee on Monday as he held the
Brewers to one run and six hits in 6 2/3 innings while striking out a
season-high nine. The veteran has allowed three runs or less in each of
his last five outings. Arroyo is 3-3 with a 3.65 ERA and one shutout in
10 career starts against Washington.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals phenom Bryce Harper was in the lineup
Saturday after leaving Friday's game with a cut near his left eye that
required 10 stitches. Harper injured himself when he swung his bat at a
wall in frustration and it bounced back and hit him in the face.
2.
Mother's Day will be observed at Great American Ball Park on Sunday as
Reds Hall of Famer Barry Larkin's mother, Shirley, will throw out the
ceremonial first pitch.
3. Cincinnati has lost five of the first six meetings between the teams this season.