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Washington Nationals At Padres Series Preview (6/16-6/19)

By Chris Lacey

Jun 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Wil Myers (R) is congratulated by right fielder Matt Kemp (27) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Wil Myers (R) is congratulated by right fielder Matt Kemp (27) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross (41) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross (41) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Ross (5-4, 3.01 ERA) vs. Christian Friedrich (3-1, 2.12 ERA) 10:40 p.m. ET,  MASN

Ross was stellar in his previous outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, as he gave up three runs on five hits in seven inning in a no-decision.  It was great to see him bounce back, considering he lasted just four innings and allowed five runs to the White Sox in the prior outing.

Ross has pitched at least seven innings in five starts this season for the Nationals. There are eight starts that he has yielded two runs or less. He started off the year in terrific fashion, by posting a 2.29 ERA in his first six starts, but his ERA is 3.72 in his last six starts.

He is holding opponents to a .235 batting average, and right-handed batters are hitting a scant .196. He thrives on the road, as indicated by his 2.54 ERA in seven starts away from home.

Ross is lights out the first time through the batting order, as he holds the opposition to a .165 average in innings one through three. However, the second time through the order is where problems arise. The average nearly doubles, as teams are hitting .316 in innings four through six.

Ross has made just one career start against the Padres. He allowed one unearned run in six innings on August 27, 2015 in a win.

Friedrich has been one of the bright spots in the Padres’ rotation. He has allowed just one home run and walked 19 batters in 34 innings. It’s one reason for his low ERA, or maybe he’s just happy about not making not starts in Coors Field. He did spend his first three seasons in the Majors with the Rockies.

The southpaw has pitched at least five innings in five of his six starts and has yet to allow more than three earned runs in any start. Friedrich has held opposing teams to a .233 average, but left-handed batters have found some success, as they’re hitting at a .250 clip.

Friedrich has struggled at home as he has a 4.20 ERA in three outings at Petco Park. He is excellent with runners in scoring position, as the opposition has a meager .091 average in this situation.

In his career, Friedrich has a 14.00 ERA in four games (two starts) against the Washington Nationals. Ryan Zimmerman is 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI’s against him.

Prediction: The success that the Washington Nationals have had against Friedrich makes them a favorite to take the second game of the series.

Next: Saturday's Matchup

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