It had to be a breath of fresh, reliving air to the Washington Nationals to finally break a five-game losing streak with a 2-1 walk-off victory against the San Diego Padres on Friday night. On Saturday they are looking to build on their good fortunes and find their feet again in the NL East.
On Friday night, first baseman Michael Morse was the hero hitting a bottom of the ninth walk-off, left field bomb to finally put the Nats in the win column for the first time in six games. Washington is hoping Morse has a bit more of that magic left in him. Second baseman Danny Espinosa also had a home run during Friday's game and he too is back in the line-up hitting right behind Morse. Outfielder Rick Ankiel, recently reinstated from the DL with a sore wrist, takes over center field duties from Roger Bernadina.
The Nationals Jordan Zimmermann (2-5, 3.98 ERA) will be facing off against the Padres Tim Stauffer (0-3, 3.88 ERA) in a 1:05 P.M. start time.
Nationals Line-Up
1. Rick Ankiel, CF
2. Ian Desmond, SS
3. Jayson Werth, RF
4. Laynce Nix, LF
5. Michael Morse, 1B
6. Danny Espinosa, 2B
7. Ivan Rodriguez, C
8. Jerry Hairston, 3B
9. Jordan Zimmermann, SP