Proposed starting pitchers -
Friday: Strasburg vs Kendrick
Saturday: Gonzalez vs Hamels
Sunday: Zimmermann vs Cloyd
(Starting pitchers subject to change)
Washington had a pretty good time at Citi Field, bashing homers in each game of the four-game series. Thirteen in all, a pretty decent total. Twenty-five runs scored against Mets' pitching in the sweep. Next, the Nationals start a long home stand by facing Philadelphia for three, followed by Atlanta (three games) and Miami (four games). Yeah, the Nats haven't been mathematically eliminated from the second wild card spot, but there's not enough games left.
It is good to see the offense come alive. The regulars are more aggressive early in counts, and that mindset has the whole lineup taking the attack to opposing pitchers. Furthermore, the pitchers (especially the bullpen) seem to be working faster and throwing more strikes. From mid-August until now, this is the Nationals' team many (including me) expected to see all season.
Philly is coming off splitting a two-game set with San Diego. Before that, they got swept by Atlanta and took two of three at home from Washington. Last time against Washington, Kendrick gave up 4 earned runs in 4.1 innings. Hamels only gave up 2 hits and 1 earned run his last start against the Nats. Cloyd, in his last start against Washington, gave up 6 earned runs in 5 innings. Given that, I'll guess Washington will win Friday and Sunday, while losing on Saturday night.
Now, will Washington keep mashing the long ball this weekend? Maybe. Will Zimmerman at third keep making clutch plays in the field? Will Ramos stay healthy, keep calling good games for the pitchers, keep hitting for power?
For the Phils, will Ruf keep hitting balls out of the part? Will Galvis be a pest at the plate and versatile in the field? Will Asche keep growing at third base?
Washington has the faintest glimmer of home. All they can do is keep winning, and hope Cincinnati loses a few down the stretch. Probable? Possible? Who can say? Keep watching...
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