The Washington Nationals begin a pivotal 11-game homestand on Friday when they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first game of a four-game series over three days. Saturday will feature a doubleheader to make up a rained-out game from earlier in the season. The Nationals will be looking for new manager Davey Johnson's first win after being swept by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Tom Gorzelanny will make the start for the Nationals, and is coming off a 3-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox in his last outing. Charlie Morton, looking for his eighth win of the season, will oppose him. Washington desperately needs to have a good homestand to get back in the Wild Card race.
The lineups have yet to be announced, but it appears that Roger Bernadina will get the start in center field instead of Rick Ankiel, who just came off the disabled list.