Nationals at Pirates
The Washington Nationals saw their offense receive a jolt after a players-only meeting last week, erupting for 35 runs during a three-game winning streak before dropping the series finale against Miami. The Nationals look to rebound on Monday as they begin a seven-game road trip before the All-Star break with the opener of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Washington scored 27 runs en route to posting a four-game sweep of Pittsburgh earlier this season, with the latter going 3-for-22 with runners in scoring position in the series. Daniel Murphy didn't play in that series, but drove in a pair of runs in Sunday's 10-2 setback to the Marlins as he slowly works himself back since returning from the disabled list in mid-June. The Pirates snapped a five-game skid with a 4-1 triumph over Keystone State-rival Philadelphia on Sunday. Starling Marte is a robust 9-for-16 with a homer, four RBIs and three runs scored during his four-game hitting streak, although he went 2-for-12 with four strikeouts in the previous series against Washington.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, MASN2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jefry Rodriguez (0-0, 5.52 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Ivan Nova (4-6, 4.48)
Rodriguez will see his first action since retiring all three batters he faced in relief in Washington's wild 14-12 victory over Miami on Thursday. The 6-6 Dominican's last start ended after four innings against Philadelphia, versus which he permitted four runs and walked three batters in a no-decision on June 24. Rodriguez pitched well in his lone career road outing, scattering four hits on 4 2/3 scoreless relief innings at Atlanta on June 3.
Nova surrendered a franchise-worst five homers and seven runs total in Tuesday's 8-3 setback to the Los Angeles Dodgers. "It's not fun when you're giving up that many homers," the 31-year-old Dominican said. "Sometimes you give up that many runs, and you don't feel that bad. Giving up five homers, it's just too much." Nova, who owns a 4.91 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in four career starts versus Washington, was blitzed for eight runs (five earned) in 4 2/3 innings of a 9-3 loss to the Nationals on May 2.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh RF Gregory Polanco has hit safely in nine of his last 11 games.
2. Nationals SS Wilmer Difo was 7-of-11 with a homer, four walks and three RBIs in the previous series with the Pirates.
3. Washington is a perfect 7-0 against NL Central representatives while Pittsburgh is just 5-12 versus the NL East.