A battle between the hottest teams in the National League and the American League went they way of the A.L. on Friday night, as the Washington Nationals (38-24) fell 7-2 to the visiting New York Yankees (38-25) at Nationals Park. Washington, owners of the best staff ERA in the big leagues, surrendered their most runs since May 13 in the loss. The Yankees have now won seven straight games and 17 of 21 to take a 1 1/2 game lead in the American League East.
Jordan Zimmermann (3-5, 2.91) will take the hill for Washington on Saturday. Zimmermann has allowed three runs or fewer in nine of his 12 starts, but has received just 3.26 runs of support, one of the lowest totals in the major leagues. The youngster has a 1.82 ERA in nine interleague starts since 2009.
Seemingly ageless left Andy Pettitte (3-2, 2.81 ERA) will be on the mound Saturday for the Bronx Bombers. The 40-year-old Pettitte has thrown at least six innings in each of his six starts, striking out 40 batters in 41 2/3 innings of work. Pettitte is 3-1 with a 4.29 ERA in six career starts versus the Washington franchise.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. EST.
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