Jordan Zimmermann and the Nationals Look to Even Series Against Pirates
By Pablo Roa
May 18, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws during the game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
After another lousy offensive performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates Thursday night, the Washington Nationals look to right-hander Jordan Zimmermann to turn things around in game two of the series and snap Washington’s two game losing streak.
Zimmermann is coming off a solid start against the New York Mets last Sunday in which he gave up three runs over six innings of work, earning the starter his third victory of the season. Zimmermann is 3-1 on the season but has struggled in recent starts. The right-hander has allowed a combined eight runs in his last two outings after allowing just five runs in his previous six outings.
The Pirates will counter with right-hander Charlie Morton who looks to seal a series win for the home team. Morton is 0-6 on the season but still has a 3.45 ERA– a clear sign that the right-hander has struggled with run support all season.
Prior to Friday night’s game, the Nationals are just one game over .500 and sit two games behind the Atlanta Braves in the division.
Here are the lineups for tonight’s game:
Nationals
- CF: Denard Span
- 2B: Anthony Rendon
- RF: Jayson Werth
- C: Wilson Ramos
- SS: Ian Desmond
- 1B: Greg Dobbs
- 3B: Zach Walters
- LF: Nate McLouth
- SP: Jordan Zimmermann
Pirates
- RF: Josh Harrison
- 2B: Neil Walker
- CF: Andrew McCutchen
- 1B: Ike Davis
- C: Russell Martin
- 3B: Pedro Alvarez
- LF: Starling Marte
- SS: Clint Barmes
- SP: Charlie Morton