A day after they hit back-to-back-to-back home runs on the way to a 8-2 win over the Houston Astros, the Washington Nationals travel to take on the New York Mets and hopefully keep their bats alive.
Ian Desmond, Rick Ankiel and Ryan Zimmerman hit consecutive home runs on Sunday. However, of the three, Desmond is taking a day of rest while Brian Bixler fills in for him as shortstop. First baseman Chris Marrero will continue to look and prove himself. He picked up two RBis on Sunday and is 15 for 49 (.306) with three doubles since his call up a couple weeks ago. He has five RBIs in the last three games for the Nationals. Danny Espinosa will also get the day off. Recently named Nationals Minor Leaguer Of The Year, Steve Lombardozzi will get the start at second base.
The Nats will be depending on starter Ross Detwiler (2-5, 3.83 ERA) to rebound from his last start against the Mets. In that game he handed the Mets six runs in three innings. The young southpaw said it was the worst outing he has had. His opponent will be New York's R.A. Dickey (8-11, 3.47 ERA).
This is the final series of the season between the two teams.
Nationals Line-Up
1. Brian Bixler, SS
2. Steve Lombardzozzi, 2B
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Michael Morse, LF
5. Jayson Werth, CF
6. Rick Ankiel, RF
7. Chris Marrero, 1B
8. Wilson Ramos, C
9. Ross Detwiler, SP