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Washington Nationals At White Sox Series Preview (6/7-6/9)

By Ricky Keeler

May 31, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The White Sox defeated the Mets 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier (21) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The White Sox defeated the Mets 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
May 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross (41) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Ross (5-4, 2.37 ERA) vs. Mat Latos (6-1, 4.02) – 8:10 p.m ET, broadcast on MASN2

After losing his first four starts in the month of May, Ross ended the month on a good note winning each of his last two starts. Back on May 31 against the Phillies, the 23-year-old right-hander went seven innings, gave up one run on three hits, struck out five, and walked two in the win.

If you don’t count the start Ross had on April 20 against Miami when he left the game with a blister injury, he has pitched into the sixth inning or later in every start this season. Plus, he continues to have success on the road as he has a 1.54 ERA in six road starts.

Ross has never faced the White Sox in his career, but he has faced one hitter on the White Sox. Jimmy Rollins (not in the lineup tonight) is 1-for-3 against him.

Earlier this offseason, the White Sox signed Latos to a one-year deal after he played for the Marlins, Dodgers, and Angels in 2015 (combined ERA of 4.95). After a great month of April, the 28-year-old has struggled since. He has given up 23 earned runs in his last six starts (2-1 record).

In his last start against the Mets on May 31, he went five innings, gave up two runs on four hits, struck out five, and walked three in a no-decision. Teams hit .318 against Latos in the month of May after only hitting .184 in April.

From his time in the National League, Latos Is 4-2 with a 2.53 ERA in nine career starts against the Nats, including a 1-0 record in two starts last season (2.13 ERA). Daniel Murphy is 7-for-19 (.368) against him with two doubles and two RBI’s.

Prediction: If the Washington Nationals can continue their offensive success from Sunday against Latos, they should be able to provide Ross with enough run support to secure the win in the opening game of this series.

Next: Tomorrow's Matchup

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