The last two champions, Boston and Washington just completed a three-game series with Boston coming out on top 2-1. What stood out the most?
The Nationals and Boston are both in the midst of down seasons and are two of the worse teams in the league. After winning game one 10-2, the Nationals stumbled and dropped the next two games. They still have only won one series this year and are now 12-. Here are three takeaways from the three-game series.
Austin Voth Hasnt Proved He Deserves To Be A Starter
Austin Voth got the start for the Nationals during the decisive game three and stumbled right out of the gate. Heading into his start, in the first inning of games, opponents were only hitting .180 against him. Voth had one on with two outs before Xander Bogaerts launched one over the Green Monster to put the Red Sox up 2-0. Boston followed this up by scoring the third run thanks to a double and a single. In the second inning, he gave up another two-run shot, which put the Red Sox up 5-0. Voth’s day was over after two innings, but the damage was done.
On the season Voth is 0-4, with a 7.99 ERA, and 18 strikeouts. At this rate, he will lose his spot in the rotation to one of the teams promising pitching prospects.
Max Scherzer Was Back To His Old Self
While Austin Voth was struggling, the future Hall of Famer was throwing straight filth. On Friday night, Max Scherzer went six innings and struck out 11. He allowed two runs on six hits and didn’t issue a single walk. Scherzer’s hamstring did not seem to bother him and he was able to be aggressive. His 11 strikeouts, made it the 97th time he has struck out 10 plus in a game which ties Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax for fifth all time.
In Scherzer’s previous start, he was gassed early on and allowed five runs. If his most recent start was any indication, Scherzer is on the right track to being all the way back.
Trea Turner Is The Hottest Hitter In Baseball
Entering the three-game series, Trea Turner was riding a 12 game hitting streak and was able to keep it going throughout the weekend. His hitting streak is now up to 15 games and at one point, he had eight straight hits, which tied a Nationals record. On Saturday night, Turner went five for five, two doubles, and three singles. What is even more impressive is the fact that this was the third time in his career he has gone five for five. On the season he is hitting .360, with 20 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.033.