Strasburg Takes the Mound as Nationals Open Second Half

Jul 7, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher

(37) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

After a strong finish to the first half of the season that earned the Nationals a first place tie with the Braves at the All-Star break, Washington looks to carry its momentum into the second half Friday night against the Brewers.

Stephen Strasburg (7-6, 3.46 ERA) gets the start for the Nationals as he too looks to build off a solid first half. In his last start, against the Phillies, Strasburg allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out nine over 5 2/3 innings.

The Brewers will counter with left-hander Kyle Lohse (9-4, 3.26 ERA), who is 5-2 with a 4.75 ERA in his career against the Nationals. Lohse allowed four runs over eight innings of work in his last start.

Prior to Friday night’s game, the Nationals are tied with the Braves for first place in the NL East with a record of 51-42.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s game:

1. CF: Carlos Gomez
2. 2B: Scooter Gennett
3. RF: Ryan Braun
4. 3B: Aramis Ramirez
5. C: Jonathan Lucroy
6. LF: Khris Davis
7. 1B: Mark Reynolds
8. SS: Jean Segura
9. SP: Kyle Lohse

Washington Nationals

1. CF: Denard Span
2. 2B: Anthony Rendon
3. RF: Jayson Werth
4. 1B: Adam LaRoche
5. 3B: Ryan Zimmerman
6. LF: Bryce Harper
7. SS: Ian Desmond
8. C: Wilson Ramos
9. SP: Stephen Strasburg