Strasburg Kicks Off Final Series Before ASG
By Andrew Flax
At 47-45, the Nats are just barely over .500 and in desperate need of momentum going into the All-Star break. They are in a good position to start picking it up tonight, with the stellar Stephen Strasburg facing the lowly Miami Marlins. The Marlins are last in baseball in runs scored, and Strasburg pitched seven shutout innings against them while allowing just three hits on Opening Day. Strasburg (5-6, 2.45) may also be auditioning for an All-Star Game spot, now that Jordan Zimmermann is withdrawing from the game due to neck discomfort. He currently has the best ERA of any qualifying non-All-Star starter, and stands a good chance of making the team if he can wow Bruce Bochy, the NL manager, tonight. On the opposite side, Nathan Eovaldi(1-0, 2.55) will be starting for the Marlins. After missing the start of the season with a shoulder injury, the 23-year-old has done well in his four starts, pitching at least six innings each time and never allowing more than three runs. However, he had a 4.30 ERA last season and will likely regress from his current level of performance. The Nats’ offense cooled off in Philadelphia after beating up the Brewers and Padres, so it may be time to make a rebound. Here are tonight’s lineups:
Jul 7, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington
Denard Span CF
Ian Desmond SS
Bryce Harper LF
Adam LaRoche 1B
Jayson Werth RF
Strasburg RHP
Miami
Ed Lucas 3B
Eovaldi RHP