Washington Nationals vs. Minnesota Twins Series Preview (4/22-4/24)

Apr 21, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) hits a double in the fifth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

After going 4-3 on their seven game road trip, the Nats return home to begin a six game homestand against the Minnesota Twins

Down in Miami, the Washington Nationals (11-4) split a four game series with the Marlins. Bryce Harper continued his home run streak as he hit two home runs in the series, including a grand slam on Tuesday, his second in a week. Harper’s grand slam was part of a seven run inning Tuesday that included four home runs.

As far as the pitching went, Stephen Strasburg continued his strong start by throwing eight shutout innings on Tuesday and the bullpen was able to help out Joe Ross Wednesday night, who had to leave the game because of a blister on his right middle finger. The other injury concern for the Nats was Jayson Werth, who had to leave Wednesday’s game because of a tight hamstring, but he was supposed to be off yesterday anyway and he’s back in the lineup tonight

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Now, the Nationals will begin a six-game homestand with their first interleague series of the 2016 season. They take on the Minnesota Twins (5-11), who faced the Nats earlier this month at Nats Park for two exhibition games. The Nationals went 1-0-1 in those two games.

The Twins come into Nats Park on a hot streak. After starting the year 0-9, Paul Molitor’s club has won five of their last seven games against the Angels and Brewers with a combined total of 39 runs scored. So far, their new Korean power hitter, Byung-ho Park, has made a good first impression as he leads the team in home runs with four. Park has been the designated hitter, but has also split time with Joe Mauer (.339, one home run, five RBI’s) at first base.

However, Minnesota has had its fair share of injuries. On Tuesday, third baseman Trevor Plouffe, who leads the team with six RBI’s, was placed on the disabled list due to a right intercostal strain. Plus, they are without their closer, Glen Perkins, as he is also on the DL due to a left shoulder strain. Currently, Kevin Jepsen is the closer for Minnesota and is 2-for-3 in save chances.

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Schedule