The Washington Nationals are enjoying their best home start in more than three decades and will hope that pitcher Dan Haren will be able to bounce back from a regrettable season debut on Thursday when they take on the visiting Chicago White Sox at 7:05 p.m. ET.
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Via ESPN:
Signed to a one-year deal this offseason after 2 1/2 years with the Angels, Haren (0-1, 13.50 ERA) didn't make a very good first impression in Friday's 15-0 loss at Cincinnati. The veteran right-hander, who gave up a career worst-tying four homers, was tagged for six runs and nine hits over four innings.
"I've had my share of bad games along with good games," he said. "They're tough to deal with, but the sooner you forget about it, the better. It's such a long season. I've probably got 30-plus starts left. This start isn't going to define how the year goes."
Manager Davey Johnson didn't appear too concerned, either.
"It's just one game," Johnson told MLB's official website. "He is a quality pitcher. He knows how to pitch. When you think of spring training, you are getting your arm in shape. He is working on a few things. Just move on."
Haren could get a boost from the Nationals' bats, which have started to heat up. After hitting four homers in Tuesday's 8-7 win, Washington (6-2) went 4 for 10 with runners in scoring position during a 5-2 victory Wednesday.
