The Washington Nationals are close to slipping back down the NL East standings and are riding hard on a three game losing streak thanks in part to an offense that hasn't been able to put together hits and score runs. While the offense attempts to get its helmet on straight, the Nationals will need some strong pitching and they just might have the man to face the Cincinnati Reds Dontrelle Willis (0-3, 4.14 ERA).
Taiwanese Nationals starter Chien-Ming Wang (2-2, 4.33 ERA) will be bringing his game to Great American Ball Park in hopes of getting Washington back on the winning track. Wang is not much of a strikeout pitcher, but relies on the defense behind him as he induces ground and fly balls. The walls at Great American Ballpark are closer than they appear so he will have to plant his pitches well and hope the offense behind him gets out of their funk, a funk pitcher John Lannan doesn't believe will last:
"I don't think this team is going to fold over," Lannan said. "I think we are going to finish the season strong. We will not let these games affect us. We know that we faced pretty good teams here. We came out .500. It is not what we want, but it is not the worst. Things could be much worse. We are playing good ball and we will turn it around."
Nats fans shall see in Cincinnati on Friday night. First pitch is at 7:10 P.M. EST.
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
Chien-Ming Wang - SP