The 9-7 Washington Nationals are the National League's hottest team right now, rolling with a four-game winning streak into the nightcap of a day-night doubleheader with the St. Louis Cardinals. They took the first game of the doubleheader early Wednesday afternoon by the score of 8-6.
The Nationals are hoping starter Jordan Zimmermann (1-2, 2.45 ERA) throws plenty of smoke tonight, as a lot of their bullpen options were exhausted in Game 1. Pitcher John Lannan continued the streak of Nationals pitchers that have pitched five or more innings in each game of the season so far in 2011, and Zimmermann looks to continue that success. Going against Zimmermann will be Jaime Garcia (2-0, 1.35 ERA), who has won two of three of the games he has pitched this season and has only given up three runs.
Catcher Wilson Ramos, outfielder Michael Morse and third baseman Jerry Hairston Jr. will be fresh bodies to oppose the Red Birds, as they were held out of the first game so they might face the left-handed Garcia. In relief, the Nationals have Brian Broderick and Collin Balester ready and waiting for their chance to shut down the Cardinals offense.
A victory Wednesday night would mark the second time this season the Nationals have swept a doubleheader this season. It'll also put them in second place in the NL East behind the Philadelphia Phillies.
Nationals Line-Up
Danny Espinosa - 2B
Rick Ankiel - CF
Jayson Werth - RF
Adam LaRoche - 1B
Wilson Ramos - C
Michael Morse - LF
Ian Desmond - SS
Jerry Hairston Jr. - 3B
Jordan Zimmermann - SP