Proposed starters -
Thursday: Zimmermann versus Oswalt
Friday: Strasburg versus Chatwood
Saturday: Haren versus Chacin
Sunday: Detwiler versus De La Rosa
(Starting pitchers subject to change)
Ian Desmond's 11th inning grand slam prevented a Philadelphia sweep of the three-game series. Washington's pitching has been pretty good lately, but the offense is still struggling. Bryce Harper still leads the team with 12 home runs, and he hasn't played since, what, mid-May? Yikes.
The team got home after the late night in Philly, and starts a four-game set with the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. Colorado is in 3rd place in the NL West, 2.5 games behind San Francisco. Even without Troy Tulowitzki, the team continues to fight hard. Too bad they just got swept in the three games at Toronto.
As usual, Carlos Gonzalez is the guy Washington handles with the utmost care. With others like Michael Cuddyer, Dexter Fowler and Nolan Arenado, Colorado's lineup is strong.
The Rockies have brought up Roy Oswalt to serve in their pitching rotation. He's not the same guy he was ten years ago (as if we were?). His knowledge of his craft will be enough to make him serviceable for this team.
I know it sounds weird admitting that Colorado's scheduled starters could all have quality outings this weekend. But with the Nats' offense this year, would we be surprised if each game was a low-scoring pitchers' duel?
For Washington, their starters are well-known. The bullpen, with Ian Krol and Fernando Abad helping out, has improved. They will again prove to be a key in late-game situations.
Frankly, I expect the Nationals to win Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Zimmermann and Strasburg should put out back-to-back strong starts. I guess Haren will probably have another one of those 5IP, 5ER starts on Saturday, and Detwiler will pitch well Sunday afternoon.
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