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Washington Nationals vs. Brewers Series Preview (7/4-7/6)

ByRicky Keeler|
Jun 28, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) scores from 2nd base on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Chris Carter (not pictured) in the eighth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) scores from 2nd base on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Chris Carter (not pictured) in the eighth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Washington Nationals
Jun 28, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) scores from 2nd base on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Chris Carter (not pictured) in the eighth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals will play their final home series of the first half against the Milwaukee Brewers. Here’s our preview

Against the Cincinnati Reds this weekend, the Washington Nationals (50-33) were able to win three out of four games in the series. The offense was the main headline as the team scored 32 runs in the series. The main contributor was shortstop Danny Espinosa, who hit five home runs (two grand slams) and had 15 RBI’s in the four games.

As for the starting pitching, Stephen Strasburg had a strong return off the disabled list yesterday when he no-hit the Reds for 6.2 innings. However, as Strasburg comes back, Joe Ross went on the disabled list yesterday with shoulder inflammation.

Today, the Washington Nationals got Jonathan Papelbon back off the disabled list as he returns to the closer role. But, in a surprise, outfielder Michael Taylor was sent down to triple-A Syracuse:

This morning, the Washington Nationals will begin their final home series before the All-Star Break as they start a three game series against the Milwaukee Brewers (35-46). The Brewers took two out of three games from the Nats at Miller Park from June 25-27.

Since that series, Craig Counsell’s squad is 1-5 in their last six games and they were swept over the weekend in a three-game series against the Cardinals. While the Brewers are tied for 26th in baseball in runs scored, first baseman Chris Carter leads the team in home runs (20) and RBI’s (49).

The big question for the Brewers as we head towards the August 1 trade deadline is whether or not left fielder Ryan Braun or catcher Jonathan Lucroy will still be with Milwaukee. Braun is hitting .328 with 13 home runs and 44 RBI’s while Lucroy is hitting .300 with ten home runs and 39 RBI’s.

On the mound, the Brewers have the fourth highest starters ERA in the National League (4.79) and they have given up the fourth most home runs (65). In the bullpen, closer Jeremy Jeffress is 21-for-22 in save chances.

Before this series starts this morning, check out my breakdown of the three pitching matchups:

Next: This Morning's Matchup

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