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Washington Nationals vs. Cubs Series Preview (6/13-6/15)

By Ricky Keeler

Jun 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) commits a throwing error against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Turner Field. The Cubs defeated the Braves 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) commits a throwing error against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Turner Field. The Cubs defeated the Braves 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
May 29, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws to the St. Louis Cardinals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Jason Hammel (7-2, 2.36) vs. Stephen Strasburg (10-0, 3.03) – 4:05 p.m ET, MASN

Hammel picked up one of the Cubs’ two losses this week when he lost on Friday against the Braves. In 5.2 innings, he gave up three runs on eight hits and struck out four in a win on only 77 pitches.

When you look at the Cubs’ rotation, Hammel has the third lowest road ERA on the staff (2.57) behind only Arrieta and Lester (not pitching this series). Plus, he has given up more than three runs in a game only once over his last 11 starts.

Back on May 7, Hammel gave up three runs on four hits, struck out three, and walked four in a no-decision against the Nats. But, he continues to remain undefeated against Washington in his career (9-0 with a 3.16 ERA in 12 outings). Ryan Zimmerman is 12-for-38 (.316) with three doubles, a home run, and six RBI’s in his career against Hammel.

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You could make the case that Strasburg’s last start against the Phillies on Friday was one of the worst starts of the season. But, thanks to the offense, he found a way to get his tenth win of the year. He went seven innings, gave up four runs on five hits, struck out ten, and walked one in the win.

With that win, Strasburg has now won 13 consecutive decisions and he continues to strike out hitters at a high rate. He has ten or more K’s in four of his last five starts and his 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings are second in the National League behind the Marlins’ Jose Fernandez (13.1).

During that last series against the Cubs, Strasburg didn’t make a start. He is 0-1 with a 2.18 ERA in three starts vs. Chicago, but he hasn’t faced them since 2013. Jason Heyward is 14-for-34 (.412) against Strasburg with three doubles, a home run, and four RBI’s.

Next: Nats Player Of The Week (6/7-6/12): Danny Espinosa

Prediction: If my predictions hold true for the first two games, this will be one of those games where the Nats need to find a way to win. If they can show the same patience like they did last month against Hammel and turn those walks to runs, they should provide Strasburg with enough run support to pick up his 11th win of the year.

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