Lineups: Haren Hopes To Deliver Series Win
By Andrew Flax
After last night’s offensive debacle, the Nats are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of offense. Unfortunately, tonight’s stone does not look particularly promising. In addition to missing Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper, the Nationals will rest Ian Desmond today, who is 2-24 (.083) in the Nats’ last seven games. An unfortunate consequence of this is that the Nationals now have three offense starters who are hitting under .170. In fact, today’s pitcher, Dan Haren, has a better batting average (.188) this season than Tyler Moore, Roger Bernadina, and Danny Espinosa. Never say never, but tonight’s lineup doesn’t look poised to score a ton. Haren (4-4, 4.76) has been better than his ERA indicates, with a 3.00 ERA and two quality starts in his last three. His opponent, Andrew Cashner (2-2, 2.84), has been even better, allowing one run in his last two starts (14.2 IP). Cashner is a fireballer, with a 95.3 MPH average fastball, which is not a recipe for success with three struggling hitters. Here are today’s lineups:
May 17, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) is congratulated by second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Washington
Denard Span CF
Adam LaRoche 1B
Moore LF
Bernadina RF
Espinosa SS
Haren RHP
San Diego
Will Venable RF
Jedd Gyorko 2B
Kyle Blanks RF
Cashner RHP