Nats Need Win From Haren To Not Lose Ground On Reds
By Noah Nash
The Nationals have been playing spectacular ball recently. Coming off a series win against the Marlins, they are in position to sweep the Mets with a win tonight against New York. And they have the best record in the NL over the lat couple of weeks. Unfortunately for the Nats, the Cincinnati Reds, Washington’s target in the standings, has had the NL’s second best record over that time span, meaning the Nationals epic end of season surge has them still at 6 games back with 18 to play. Cincinnati won today, so the Nationals need a strong start and a win from Dan Haren (8-13, 5.23) tonight. Haren who has pitched well in the second half (with the exception of a stinker against the Marlins five days ago), will make perhaps his biggest start thus far in his brief DC career.
Sep 10, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder
Jayson Werth(28) scores after being driven in by Washington Nationals catcher
Wilson Ramos(not pictured) during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Nationals lineup will get a boost tonight, as Bryce Harper will make his return from hip issues in the cleanup spot. However, even with the 20 year old phenom anchoring their lineup the Nats will have their hands full in the series finale with Zack Wheeler (7-4, 3.23) on the rubber for the Mets.
Lineups: Washington Nationals
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
3. Jayson Werth, RF
4. Bryce Harper, LF
5. Ian Desmond, SS
6. Adam LaRoche, 1B
7. Wilson Ramos, C
8. Anthony Rendon, 2B
9. Dan Haren, RHP
New York Mets:
1. Eric Young Jr, LF
2. Juan Lagares, RF
3. Daniel Murphy, 2B
4. Lucas Duda, 1B
5. Josh Satin, 3B
6. Matt den Dekker, CF
7. Travis d’Arnaud, C
8. Ruben Tejada, SS
9. Zack Wheeler, RHP
First Pitch 7:10 ET