Inter league play has arrived as our Nationals are set to begin Game 2 of a 3 game series versus their in state rival, the Baltimore Orioles. Washington will send John Lannan (2-4) in 9 starts against the O’s Jeremy Guthrie (1-6) as the Nats took Game 1 in a big way.
Boasting a 17-5 win, Jayson Werth swung the club towards a 3 for 4 night including 4 RBI’s and Danny Espinosa getting on base 3 times in 4 efforts with a game high 5 RBI’s.
Wilson Ramos, the successor to the catcher position in due time, showed he belonged last night only needing a double to hit for the cycle. His 5 Runs scored was the most on the Nationals team and looks to continue his hot streak today in Game 2.
John Lannan’s career vs. the O’s comes in the form of 2-1 over 4 starts with an ERA of 3.98 since 2008 as he looks to improve his overall record for 2011. His last win came on April 20th as he looks to continue towards win No. 3 with his last 2 starts coming in solid but ending up as no decisions. Putting up 6 innings and 2 earned runs for each of the previous 2 starts, his main issue hasn’t been his pitching but rather his run support. The Nationals have given Lannan a total of 6 runs in his last 5 starts dating back to his last win on April 20th vs. St. Louis.
“I’m kind of waiting for that game where I feel good all the way through,” Lannan said. “They say for every 10 starts, you’re going to have six good ones, two (lousy) ones and two OK ones. So I’m grateful that I can go out there and make the pitches I need to”, Lannan said about his progression on the season.
On the opposing end comes Jeremy Guthrie on the hill today as he tries to do damage control for his O’s from last night’s romp. Guthrie brings a 2-3 record and 3.71 ERA versus the Nationals since 2007. His best outing came in 2007 where he posted 10 K’s, 4 hits, and 1 earned run over 7 innings pitched.
Be sure to catch today’s game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards at 4:05pm as Inter League play ensues in this in-state rivalry.