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Washington Nationals At Kansas City Royals Series Preview (5/3-5/5)

By Ricky Keeler

May 1, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) watches his solo home run in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) watches his solo home run in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Apr 29, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Stephen Strasburg vs. Kris Medlen (1-2, 4.87) – 2:15 p.m, MASN/MLB Network

This is a matchup between two pitchers who used to face each other in the NL East when Medlen was with the Braves. First, let’s talk about Strasburg. After giving up two runs in the first inning in his last outing against the Cardinals, Strasburg showed off his dominance.

The Nats’ right-hander went seven innings, gave up two runs on eight hits, struck out nine, and walked one on 103 pitches in the win. Strasburg has given up two runs or fewer in four of his five outings this season. Plus, he has nine or more strikeouts in each of his last three games.

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Strasburg hasn’t faced the Royals since the fourth start of his rookie season back in 2010. He gave up one run on nine hits over six innings while striking out nine in a 1-0 loss. The only two Royals hitter who have faced him are second baseman Omar Infante (0-for-6 with a RBI) and Morales (1-for-3).

Meanwhile, Medlen is a pitcher who has battled numerous arm injuries, but has been with the Royals for the last two seasons. In his last game against the Mariners back on April 29, he went five innings, gave up one run on one hit, walked five, and struck out three on 103 pitches in the loss.

The 30-year-old right-hander has pitched five innings or more in three of his four games, but he has struggled with his control. His 16 walks are third in the AL and he has walked three or more batters in all four games.

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From his time with the Braves, Medlen is 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA in 14 games (four starts). Jayson Werth is 5-for-18 (.278) against Medlen with two doubles, a home run, and two RBI’s.

Prediction: It’s tough to pick against Strasburg since he has been dominant so far this season. I think he has another strong outing against a struggling lineup and the offense takes advantage of Medlen’s inconsistent control.

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