Washington @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 14, 2013 ) Washington 1, Cleveland 2
The Cleveland Indians have run more hot and cold than just about any team in baseball this season, but appear to be warming up again as they continue their three-game interleague series Saturday against the visiting Washington Nationals. The Indians opened the season with a 5-10 record before prevailing in 21 of their next 28 contests. Cleveland promptly dropped its 11 of its next 16 – including eight straight at one point – but have won three in a row after Friday’s 2-1 win.
The Nationals had won four of five prior to their series-opening loss despite the absences of key players - including former No. 1 overall draft picks Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg. While Strasburg has been sidelined, Jordan Zimmermann has carried the mantle of staff ace and will attempt to become the second starter in the majors to reach 10 wins Saturday. Ian Desmond, who saw his career-high 15-game hitting streak come to an end, could provide an offensive boost as he is hitting 18-for-42 in June.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (9-3, 2.00 ERA) vs. Indians LH Scott Kazmir (3-4, 5.33)
After allowing a season-high seven runs in his final outing in May, Zimmermann has yet to surrender an earned run in two June starts. The right-hander fanned eight over seven frames in Sunday’s 7-0 victory versus the Minnesota Twins to improve to 6-0 with a 1.06 ERA in seven turns at home. Zimmermann – who has never faced Cleveland – has been less remarkable away from Nationals Park, going 3-3 with a 3.09 ERA in six outings.
Kazmir continued his road struggles in Monday’s 6-3 setback against the Texas Rangers, giving up four runs and eight hits over six innings to fall to 0-4 with a 6.53 ERA away from Progressive Field. The left-hander has been much sharper in four home outings, however, going 3-0 with a 3.68 ERA. Kazmir – a former top prospect of the New York Mets – will make his first career start against Washington, one of five teams he has never faced.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland has gone 20 straight games without a save – its longest such streak since recording 22 in a row from May 29-June 21, 2009.
2. The Nationals did not belt a home run on Friday, but have gone deep in a major league-high 78 consecutive series.
3. Indians manager Terry Francona said following Friday’s game that closer Chris Perez (shoulder tendinitis) will likely begin a minor-league assignment on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Indians 2