Washington Nationals southpaw Tom Gorzelanny (0-1, 8.44 ERA) will look to reverse D.C.'s fortunes and his own against the Milwaukee Brewers at Nationals Park during a Friday night game under the lights. The Nationals are on a two-game losing streak thanks to facing some tough pitching in a series with Philadelphia.
Gorzelanny wants to erase the memory of his first start of the season against the New York Mets on April 9, when he went five innings and gave up five earned runs in a 8-4 loss. The stars have aligned so Gorzelanny and the Nationals will be facing Milwaukee's Chris Narveson (1-0), who is enjoying a comfortable 0.00 ERA through 13 innings pitched.
The Nats will also look to get their offense going and hope to get performances like those from catcher Wilson Ramos. Built like a rhino and hitting like Thor, Ramos has become a powerhouse for the Nationals, with 10 hits in 22 at-bats and a .455 average. Second baseman Danny Espinosa returns to the leadoff spot in the lineup. He is tied for second with Ryan Zimmerman with the most team walks (7) and has been showing incredible patience at the plate.
Friday's game also marks the first time former Nationals centerfielder Nyjer Morgan returns to the Nation's Capital since being traded to Milwaukee during Spring Training. Morgan has come out of the gate hot for the Brewers, hitting .476, but he will not be in tonight's starting lineup.
For those who were looking forward to nostalgic Nationals reunions, you are in luck. Former Nats backup catcher Wll NIeves will be starting behind the plate for the Brew Crew.