Zimmermann Takes the Mound as Nats Look to Make it Seven in a Row

Aug 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher

(27) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

After completing a series sweep against the Pirates with a wacky win Sunday night, the Nationals look to extend their longest win streak of the season tonight when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park.

Jordan Zimmermann (8-5, 2.92 ERA) gets the start for the Nationals in the first game of a four-game series against Arizona. Zimmermann has pitched well of late as the right-hander has allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his last 10 starts, boasting a 2.85 ERA in that span. Zimmermann earned his eighth win of the season his last time out, throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings against the Mets while striking out five.

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While Zimmermann has been dominant in recent starts, he’s had his fair share of struggles against the D-backs. The Nationals’ right-hander turned in one of his worst performances of the season in a start against Arizona on May 12, allowing five runs over 5 2/3 innings. In his career against the D-backs, Zimmermann is 2-2 with a 3.92 ERA and 22 strike outs over 32 1/3 innings.

The Diamondbacks will counter with left-hander Vidal Nuno, (0-3, 3.92 ERA) who is still seeking his first win for Arizona after the D-backs acquired him from the Yankees just prior to the July 31 Trade Deadline. Nuno pitched well his last time out, allowing just two runs on six hits while striking out six over 5 2/3 innings. Nuno has never faced the Nationals in his career.

While the Nationals have been playing really well of late, the still-inconsistent offense should get a boost tonight as Jayson Werth, one of last night’s heroes, is back in the starting lineup for the first time in over a week.

Prior to Monday night’s game, the Nationals are 69-53 and lead the second-place Braves by six games in the NL East.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s game:

1. CF: Ender Inciarte
2. 2B: Aaron Hill
3. RF: David Peralta
4. LF: Mark Trumbo
5. C: Miguel Montero
6. 1B: Jordan Pacheco
7. 3B: Jake Lamb
8. SS: Didi Gregorius
9. SP: Vidal Nuno

Nationals

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