Washington Nationals Series Preview: Nats vs. Phillies (5/22-5/24)
By Matt Weyrich
May 16, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher XXXX (31) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight’s Matchup
Max Scherzer (4-3, 1.75 ERA) vs. Sean O’Sullivan (1-2, 3.68) – 7:05 PM ET, broadcast on MASN
Max Scherzer has been everything the Nationals could have hoped for and more so far this season, and he has shown no signs of slowing down. He is currently top 5 among qualifying pitchers in Major League Baseball in ERA, strikeouts, WHIP, and quality starts. The Cy Young candidate has shifted to the National League nicely, and has been putting on a show every fifth day.
Sean O’Sullivan has been much more than the Phillies expected out of him this year, pitching to the tune of a 3.68 ERA, well below his career average of 5.72. However, he has yet to earn a win against the Nationals so far, despite already having two chances. The 27-year old right hander also sports an alarming 5.54 FIP, meaning he may be due to be lit up soon.
Advantage: The Nationals’ ace has been too dominant not to shine against such a weak offense. Despite Philadelphia’s recent run of success, expect Scherzer to shut down the Phillies’ offense, and the Nats win this one big.
Next: Tomorrow's Matchup