Washington @ Pittsburgh preview
PNC Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 10, 2018 ) Washington 5, Pittsburgh 1
The Washington Nationals have an opportunity to build some momentum heading into the All-Star break as they look to turn around what has been a disappointing first half. The Nationals’ last five games before the break are against losing teams, beginning with the rubber match of a three-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
The Nationals have lost 10 of their last 15 games and averaged two runs in the defeats while totaling 57 runs in the five wins. They evened the series with a 5-1 win Tuesday to move back above .500, but they remain 5 1/2 games behind Philadelphia in the National League East. Pittsburgh has lost six of its last eight and was held without an extra-base hit Tuesday for the ninth time this season. Washington has won five of six in the season series.
TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, Facebook Watch
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-5, 3.76 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (6-7, 4.60)
Gonzalez is winless over his last seven starts and has posted a whopping 7.18 ERA during that stretch. The 32-year-old has struggled with his command of late, issuing 13 walks in 11 innings across his last three outings. Gonzalez is 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA in nine starts against the Pirates.
After going 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA across his first nine starts of the season, Williams is 1-5 with a 7.02 ERA in his last nine. The 26-year-old had another rough outing Friday against Philadelphia, allowing five runs over 2 1/3 innings in his third straight loss. Williams is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in one start and one relief appearance against Washington.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Nationals on Tuesday placed All-Star LHP Sean Doolittle on the disabled list, retroactive to Saturday, with a pinched nerve in his left foot. RHP Kelvin Herrera will take over the closer role in his absence.
2. Pirates RF Gregory Polanco has hit safely in 11 of his last 13 games and is 16-for-46 with four homers and 13 RBIs over that stretch.
3. Pittsburgh CF Starling Marte is 11-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Pirates 4