Nationals at Reds
The Washington Nationals look to bounce back from their worst loss in club history on Saturday when they face the host Cincinnati Reds, who opened the three-game series by winning 15-0 on Friday. “We got our you-know-what kicked,” Nationals manager Davey Johnson told reporters. After allowing one run during their season-opening sweep of the lowly Miami Marlins, Washington watched the Reds collect 19 hits and crush six home runs on Friday.
Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart hit two homers apiece for Cincinnati, which has won three straight since losing its season opener 3-1 to the Los Angeles Angels in 13 innings. Center fielder Shin-Soo Choo, acquired during the offseason from Cleveland, has five hits in 15 at-bats and already has two home runs. Chris Heisey has two hits in his first 14 at-bats, but the Reds plan on giving him an extended look in left field with Ryan Ludwick (shoulder) out for the next three months.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), Fox Sports Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (2012: 10-8, 3.40 ERA) vs. Reds RH Mike Leake (8-9, 4.58)
Detwiler appears primed for a breakout season after an impressive spring training, which included a stint with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The 27-year-old Detwiler is known for his solid control, and he was among Washington’s most consistent starters last season. Jay Bruce is hitless in eight career at-bats against Detwiler, who is 0-3 with a 3.13 ERA in four starts against the Reds. The Nationals are 0-4 in those starts.
Leake was named Cincinnati’s fifth starter during spring training when the Reds decided to keep closer Aroldis Chapman in the bullpen. He struggled at times in camp, finishing with a 5.12 ERA in five spring training starts, but manager Dusty Baker said the Reds will be patient with the 25-year-old Leake. “We don’t have any pressure on Leake,” Baker said. “He’s not under scrutiny every time he goes out there.” Ian Desmond is 6-for-16 against Leake, who is 3-2 with a 5.13 ERA in six career starts against Washington.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington 1B Adam LaRoche exited Friday’s game with lower back tightness and could miss Saturday’s contest.
2. Reds second-year C Devin Mesoraco is expected to make his first start of the season on Saturday.
3. Nationals LF Bryce Harper’s career-high 12-game hitting streak ended Friday when he went hitless in four at-bats.