Sweeping a four game series against the New York Mets in New York would be delicious to the Washington Nationals, but taking over sole possession of third place in the NL East would be absolutely divine. The Nats will take a crack at both Thursday afternoon in the fourth and final game of the season series finale at Citi Field at 1:10 P.M.
For the second game in a row the Nationals will send out a rookie pitcher to face New York. On Wednesday it was Brad Peacock who put on a commanding performance. On Thursday the Nats turn to Tom Milone (0-0, 6.30 ERA) and hope for something similar. Milone has some incredible stuff in his arsenal and a potentially dangerous bat to boot, but he has been hittable and has given up three or more runs in each of this two starts in 2011. In his MLB Debut Milone faced the Mets and was able to hit a three-run home run, but that was somewhat dampened by giving up four runs on six hits in only four innings of work. The youngster will try to shore things up and hold the Mets batters down. Milone will face New York's Chris Schwinden (0-1, 9.00 ERA).
Some added offense on the Nats side of the scoreboard would be nice to see as the Nationals and Mets have played the last three games really close. The Nationals took Game 1 and 2 by the score of 3-2 and on Wednesday the Nats bullpen successfully preserved a 2-0 shutout. Closer Drew Storen has worked the past three days and earned a save in each affair. Keep watch on second baseman Danny Espinosa as he is one home run away from tying Ryan Zimmerman and Brad Wilkerson for the franchise record for home runs by a rookie.
Nationals Line-Up
Ian Desmond - SS
Rick Ankiel - CF
Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
Michael Morse - LF
Jayson Werth - RF
Danny Espinosa - 2B
Chris Marrero - 1B
Wilson Ramos - C
Tom Milone - SP