Proposed starting pitchers -
Thursday: Gonzalez vs Alvarez
Friday: Zimmernann vs Turner
Saturday: Strasburg vs Koehler
Sunday: Haren vs. Dyson
(starting pitchers subject to change)
After Monday's massacre at the Washington Navy Yard, I wasn't all that excited about writing about sports. I offer my deepest condolences to the surviving family members and colleagues. Once again, it didn't have to happen. When will we learn to respect ALL life?
(rant over)
The Nats' doubleheader sweep of Atlanta gave hope. Thursday night's loss damaged the Nats' hope for a wild card spot. Washington is 5.5 GB the Reds. Washington closes the home schedule this weekend with four against Miami. After that, Washington gets three at St. Louis and three at Arizona. Ten games left. Obviously, Washington has to win 'em all, and hope for a Cincinnati collapse.
The Reds finish their last road trip of the season with three this weekend at Pittsburgh. After that, Cincinnati goes home for three against the Mets and three against the Pirates. On paper, it looks like all is lost. Stranger things have happened in other years, but the Reds are a good team. I wouldn't wait for a collapse. The Reds just finished a three-game-sweep at Houston.
For the Marlins, Alvarez has been competitive most of the year, but his last start against Washington was 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER. Turner has had a decent year as well, but his last start against the Nats was 4 IP, 9 H, 5 ER. Koehler's last start against Washington was 5 IP, 7H, 4 BB, 6 ER. Dyson got lit up in his first start last week, but in mop-up duty against Washington 7 Sept, he went 3 IP, 2 H,1 ER. Washington should be able to score often against Miami's staff.
For Miami's offense, the usual applies. Don't give Stanton get good pitches to drive. The rest of the lineup can be "pitched to". Work quickly, Nats' pitchers, and throw strikes.
For Washington, Span's 29-game hitting streak and Werth's second-half surge have buoyed the offense. Zimmerman has ramped up his production at 3B and at the plate. Ramos is dangerous offensively, and not showing signs of wearing down catching nearly every game. The lineup has to keep scoring.
One thing on defense - either Rendon is tiring after a long season, or losing a bit of focus. Sometimes, he will let the game get away from him. Maybe he takes his eye off the ball, or gets a little sloppy. He's having a pretty good rookie year, but he has to bear down this last ten games.
I expect Washington to sweep this 4-game set. The Reds' magic number is 5. So, by the numbers, the Nats potentially could still be in contention come Monday. That is, as long as Washington doesn't lose any more the rest of the regular season. Not too large a demand, is it?
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