Nationals at Athletics
The Washington Nationals attempt to remain perfect on their nine-game road trip when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Saturday afternoon for the middle contest of their three-game series. After registering a three-game sweep in San Francisco, the Nationals pounded out 20 hits en route to a 13-3 victory in Friday's opener.
Daniel Murphy and Brian Goodwin each recorded four hits - including a homer- and drove in two runs, with the latter's home run being the first of his major-league career. Murphy has been swinging a hot bat on the road trip, going 10-for-19 with a blast and five RBIs. Oakland returned home from a 2-5 road trip to suffer its sixth loss in seven contests. Yonder Alonso is riding a six-game hitting streak after going 2-for-4 with his 15th homer on Friday.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), NBCSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Joe Ross (2-1, 6.18 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (0-1, 13.50)
Ross has allowed five runs and failed to complete five innings in three of his last four starts, including a loss to San Diego on Sunday in which he yielded 12 hits over four frames. The 24-year-old Californian was demoted after back-to-back rough outings in late April but returned on May 23 to dominate Seattle as he gave up one run and five hits over eight innings en route to victory. Ross will be facing Oakland for the first time in his career.
Mengden lasted only 3 1/3 innings in his season debut on Monday at Cleveland as he was tagged for five runs and seven hits. The 24-year-old Texan made four starts for Triple-A Nashville this year, going 2-1 with a 2.21 ERA and 0.93 WHIP while striking out 20 and walking just five in 20 1/3 frames. Mengden, who never has faced Washington, remains in search of his first win at home after going 0-7 with a 6.86 ERA in eight outings as a rookie last year.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics sent LHP Sean Doolittle (shoulder), who has been on the disabled list since May 3, on a rehab assignment to Single-A Stockton on Friday.
2. Washington OF Chris Heisey (biceps) experienced a setback while playing for Double-A Harrisburg during his rehab assignment, which has been put on hold.
3. Oakland RHP Jesse Hahn (triceps) made a rehab start for Stockton on Wednesday and is expected to throw a bullpen session on Saturday.