The Washington Nationals are surging at this point in the season. Washington is red hot and enjoying the benefits of a strong pitching rotation. That includes big names like Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann and lesser known names like Tanner Roark who is keeping up. The Nationals will test their hot play as they face off in a big National League matchup between the San Francisco Giants.
Roark is in his first season in the major leagues and currently 4-4 with a 2.91 ERA. In eight of his 12 starts he has held opponents to a .221 average, allowing two runs or fewer. He is currently among the NL leaders with just 14.9 points per inning. He has been the surprise of the Nationals pitching rotation. He did suffer a three-game losing streak while the Nationals only gave him three runs or fewer of support. However, he bounced back with a career-high 11 strikeouts over eight innings. The Nationals are winning thanks to their pitching rotation. They have won three straight and nine of 11 as pitchers put up a 1.34 ERA.
The Giants are hot right now as well, but have hit a recent slow patch as they are on the brink of a third-straight defeat. They have gone 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. They have scored just three runs in the past two games. Matt Cain takes the mound for his second-straight start after coming off the disabled list. He gave up just two runs and three hits over seven innings. He is especially strong at home, going 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA against the Nationals. Many of the Washington hitters have found success against Cain. Ian Desmond is 5 for 12, but Ryan Zimmerman is just 1 for 10.
Washington and the Giants will likely be battling for position come the fall as they battle it out for National League supremacy. Strong pitching could give Washington the edge.
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