Washington Nationals Series Preview: Nats Vs. Brewers (8/21-8/23)
By Ricky Keeler
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Garza (6-13, 4.98) vs. Jordan Zimmermann (9-8, 3.44) – 1:35 PM ET, MASN2
Before his last start against the Miami Marlins on August 17, Garza had allowed no more than three runs in five consecutive starts. In that game against Miami, Garza went five innings, gave up five runs on eight hits, struck out two, and walked one in a 6-2 loss.
Despite that loss, the 31-year-old right-hander has a 3.44 ERA in his last six starts (2-3 record) and has held opponents to a .227 average (.296 in the first half). One of the problems for Garza this season has been his inability to pitch well away from Miller Park. In ten road starts, he is 3-5 with a 5.95 ERA (3-8, 4.23 ERA in 13 home games).
Back on June 11, Garza got a no-decision against the Nationals. He went six innings, gave up five runs (one earned run) on seven hits, struck out seven, walked none, and gave up a home run to Clint Robinson. In seven starts against the Nats, he is 0-3 with a 6.27 ERA. Jayson Werth is 6-for-14 against him with a home run and two RBI’s.
As for Jordan Zimmermann, he made his last start at Coors Field on Tuesday against the Rockies, but did give up three home runs. During that outing, he went six innings, gave up six runs (four earned runs) on nine hits, struck out six, and walked one. Despite those struggles, Zimmermann recorded a win for the first time since July 11.
In his last seven starts, the 29-year-old right-hander is 1-3 with a 4.01 ERA, but he has been able to command the strike zone, walking only seven batters in his last 42,2 innings. The problem for him this season has been giving up the long ball. He has given up seven home runs since the All-Star Break, which is one fewer than the eight home runs he allowed in his first 19 starts.
Back on June 12, Zimmermann faced the Brewers at Miller Park and had a rough outing. He went 3.1 innings, gave up six runs on nine hits, struck out four, and walked one. However, Zimmermann is 4-1 in six starts against Milwaukee with a 3.71 ERA. Ryan Braun is 4-for-11 against him with two RBI’s.
Advantage: Even though Zimmermann has not been his usual self over the last seven starts, he has pitched well at home this season (4-3, 2.44 in 13 starts). If you take that stat plus Garza’s road struggles, the Nationals should be able to win this game and take two out of three in the series.
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