District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals vs. Orioles Series Preview (8/22-8/25)

By Ricky Keeler

Aug 3, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Britton (53) throws a pitch in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Britton (53) throws a pitch in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Washington Nationas
Aug 20, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Tillman (15-5, 3.76) vs. Max Scherzer (13-7, 3.05) – 7:05 p.m, MASN

After a disappointing 2015 season, Tillman has looked like the pitcher that helped lead the Orioles to the ALCS in 2014. But, he had a rough go of it in his last start against the Astros on August 20. He went two innings, gave up six runs on six hits, and walked five on 67 pitches in a loss.

More from District on Deck

Tillman, who has been battling a sore shoulder, has a 6.60 ERA in his last three starts and he has an ERA of 4.76 since the All-Star Break. The 28-year-old right-hander has given up three runs or fewer in seven of his last ten outings, but he is fifth in the American League in walks (58).

In his career against the Washington Nationals, Tillman is 1-0 with a 4.40 ERA in five starts. Zimmerman is 3-for-6 against him with three home runs and four RBI’s.

Scherzer did give up three runs in the second inning on Saturday night against the Braves, but the offense gave him enough run support in the fourth inning alone to get the win. He went 6.1 innings, gave up four runs on six hits, struck out six, and walked three in a win.

Against the Braves, Scherzer did have three walks, which was the most he has had in his last eight starts (July 4 against the Brewers). Even though Scherzer does have a 3.11 ERA in seven starts since the break, opponents are hitting .205.

Next: Defensive Miscues Lead To More Work For Bullpen

From his time in the American League and with the Nats, Scherzer is 4-2 with a 3.81 ERA in eight starts against the O’s. Adam Jones is 11-for-22 against him with three home runs and four RBI’s.

Prediction: On Thursday night, Scherzer will be looking for his first win at home since June 29 against the Mets. On the other hand, the Orioles are 20-6 in games that Tillman pitches in this season. I expect this game to be the pitcher’s duel out of the four games, but because of the dominance of the Orioles bullpen, I will take the O’s to win this game and take three out of four in the series.

Home/Nationals News