District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals vs. Phillies Series Preview (6/10-6/12)

By Ricky Keeler

Jun 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) celebrates with center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) after scoring a run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) celebrates with center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) after scoring a run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Washington Nationals
Jun 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross (41) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Adam Morgan (1-5, 6.70) vs. Joe Ross (5-4, 2.92) – 4:05 p.m, MASN2

Even though Morgan has not won a game since May 10 against the Braves, he did have some success in his last start against the Cubs. He went six innings, gave up three runs on eight hits and struck out five on 98 pitches in a loss.

Morgan has faced the Cubs and the Nats in his last three starts and he has given up six home runs in those games. Only two starters on the Phillies have given up more home runs than Morgan. Those starters are Jerad Eickhoff with nine and Hellickson with 11.

Back on June 1, Morgan went six innings, gave up six runs on nine hits, and struck out six in a loss to the Nats. Wilson Ramos is 3-for-3 against him with a home run and four RBI’s.

More from District on Deck

As for Ross, he didn’t have his command in his last outing against the White Sox. On Tuesday, Ross went only four innings, gave up five runs on four hits, struck out five, and walked four on 91 pitches in a no-decision.

It was the first time the 23-year-old right-hander has gone fewer than four innings in any game since April 20 against the Marlins, when he left that start early due to injury. His four walks Tuesday were tied for a season-high and two off his career-high.

The one sign that points to a bounceback start for Ross is his success against the Phillies this season. He is 2-0 with a 0.61 ERA against the Phillies this year. Philadelphia is hitting .122 against him and they have scored only one run in 14.2 innings. Cesar Hernandez is 1-for-2 with a RBI.

Next: Reaction: Gonzalez Takes A New Approach

Prediction: With Morgan struggling to win a game as of late, I expect the Nats offense to have a strong game on Sunday afternoon. They will get out to a early lead and Ross will continue his domination of the Phillies as the Nats take two out of three in the series.

Home/Nationals News