Currently the Arizona Diamondbacks are precariously perched on top of the NL West, but are struggling to keep themselves there as they visit Washington D.C. on the crest of a five game losing streak. On Monday night the Washington Nationals will look to pull the rug from under the Snakes and have them topple down the standings.
Having the opposing team be in first place, last place or in between doesn't seem to matter to the Nats these days. They just finished a tough three game series against the NL East leading Philadelphia Phillies and embarrassed them by taking the series via two walk-off wins at Nationals Park. Lefty Ross Detwiler (1-3, 2.87 ERA) gets the call against Arizona's Joe Saunders (8-10, 3.91 ERA) and will look to keep the Nationals from getting snake bit. Detwiler's last start was a strong six innings of one-run ball against the Cincinnati Reds, but he still suffered a tough loss.
The Nationals offense will contain all the heroes of this past weekend's series. Ian Desmond, Ryan Zimmerman, Jonny Gomes, Jayson Werth and Danny Espinosa will all be together in the line-up in support of Detwiler. Brian Bixler will get center field duties. The Nationals hope they can get to Saunders who is struggling recently giving up five earned runs in his last outing and having trouble controlling the amount of walks he gives up. Patience might be the possible ingredient for victory Monday night.
Nationals Line-Up
Ian Desmond - SS
Brian Bixler - CF
Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
Michael Morse - 1B
Jayson Werth - RF
Danny Espinosa - 2B
Jonny Gomes - LF
Wilson Ramos - C
Ross Detwiler - SP