Washington Nationals Series Preview: Nats at Rockies (8/18-8/20)
By Ricky Keeler
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Zimmermann (8-8, 3.34 ERA) vs. David Hale (3-4, 5.69) – 8:40 PM ET, broadcast on MASN2
In his last start against the Dodgers, Jordan Zimmermann pitched great, but he was unable to get any support from his offense, which was going up against Clayton Kershaw. On August 12, Zimmermann went seven innings, gave up one run on two hits, struck out nine, and walked one on 93 pitches in the loss.
While the 29-year-old right-hander has pitched well in his last two starts, he has not had a win to show for it. Against the Rockies on August 7, Zimmermann went 6.2 innings, gave up one run on four hits, struck out six, and did not walk a batter. However, he got the no decision in that game because Drew Storen gave up a grand slam to Carlos Gonzalez in the top of the eighth inning.
It’s just been more bad luck for Zimmermann, who is now 0-3 with a 3.68 ERA in six starts since the All-Star Brea. However, he has had 33 strikeouts to six walks in those games and held opponents to a .224 batting average. He is 5-0 with a 2.10 ERA in nine starts against the Rockies. Third baseman Nolan Arenado (.278, 29 HR, 86 RBI’s) is 4-for-9 with a double and a home run against him.
The Rockies will be sending David Hale to the mound in tonight’s game. Hale will be making his first start since july 9 after being on the disabled list due to a mild groin strain. However, Hale has been a pitcher who has given up more than two runs in every outing since May 23 against the Giants (nine appearances).
The 27-year-old right-hander is in his third season in the league after being with the Braves each of the last two seasons. Tonight’s start will be the 17th start of his career. According to Fangraphs, Hale is a pitcher that has an average velocity about 91 miles per hour on his fastball and he has a slider and changeup in his arsenal.
Hale made three appearances (one start) against the Nats in his career and has not given up a run in those 6.1 innings. Ian Desmond is 2-for-2 against him with a double.
Advantage: In that three game series against the Rockies, the Nats did score 14 runs, so you would have to think this would be the series where the offense turns it around. Jordan Zimmermann should be able to put together another strong outing and he will finally get his first win since the All-Star Break.
Next: Tomorrow's Matchup