Junior Guerra (5-1, 3.25 ERA) vs. Max Scherzer (9-5, 3.30) – 11:05 a.m ET, broadcast on MASN/MLB Network
Back in October, the Brewers claimed Guerra off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. So far this season, he has been one of their best starters. Against the Dodgers on June 29, Guerra gave up two hits, struck out seven, and walked two in eight innings as he recorded the win.
The 31-year-old right-hander made his first start of the season back in May and has held opponents to a .212 batting average. Over his last five starts, Guerra is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA and he has given up three runs or fewer in eight of his last ten starts.
According to Fangraphs, Guerra has an average velocity of 93 miles per hour on his fastball as well as a slider and a splitter. He has never faced the Washington Nationals in his career.
As for Scherzer, he had a great performance of his own against the Mets in his last start on June 29. He went 7.1 innings, gave up two hits, struck out ten, and walked one in a win. It also was the fourth straight start in which Scherzer has struck out ten or more batters.
Heading into his first start of July, Scherzer will be looking to continue the success that he had in June when the right-hander went 3-1 with a 1.96 ERA in four starts, struck out 58 batters, and held opponents to a .158 batting average. At home this season, he is 4-1 with a 3.19 ERA in six outings.
That one loss that Scherzer had in June was against the Brewers on June 24. In six innings, he gave up five runs on five hits, including two solo home runs to Keon Broxton and Kirk Nieuwhenhuis in a loss. Ryan Braun is 0-for-10 against Scherzer with five strikeouts.
Prediction: With the 11 a.m. start time and playing an earlier game on Sunday, I think the Washington Nationals have the advantage. With their offense clicking, they should get enough runs against Guerra early as Scherzer is able to get his first win against the Brewers this year and his tenth on the season.
Next: Tomorrow's Matchup