Washington Nationals Series Preview: Nats vs. Cubs (5/25-27)
By Pablo Roa
May 20, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher
Jordan Zimmermann(27) throws a pitch in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Tuesday’s Matchup
Jordan Zimmermann (4-2, 3.52 ERA) vs. Kyle Hendricks (1-1, 4.14 ERA) — 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN 2 and ESPN
Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will make his 10th start of the season tomorrow night at Wrigley field as the Nationals face the Cubs in Game 2 of the three-game series. Zimmermann for off to a bit of a slow start this season but has pitched much better in recent starts.
Zimmermann earned his fourth win of the season his last time out, holding the Yankees to just two runs on five hits while striking out six batters over seven strong innings. The right-hander has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his last seven starts, and has only allowed more than three runs once all season.
After being the best pitcher in the rotation last season, Zimmermann is once again pitching like one of the best starters in the game and has helped lead the Nationals back to first place. Tomorrow’s game will be a big test for the right-hander as he’s struggled mightily at Wrigley Field throughout his career, going 0-3 with a 6.27 ERA.
The Cubs will counter with right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who has had a strange start to the 2015 season. Hendricks has made eight starts this season, but earn his first win until his last start.
His last start was by far the best performance of the season for Hendricks, who threw a complete game shutout over the Padres, holding San Diego to just five hits in Chicago’s 3-0 victory over the Friars. Hendricks has never faced the Nationals in his career.
Advantage: While Hendricks was absolutely dominant his last time out, the advantage in tomorrow’s matchup goes to Zimmermann and the Nationals. Zimmermann has been dominant of late and continues to improve, and I expect him to turn in yet another dominant performance tomorrow night in Chicago.
Next: Wednesday's Matchup