Gio Gonzalez (9-6, 3.98 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (63-61) go up against Tyson Ross (8-9, 3.32 ERA) and the San Diego Padres (61-64) in the second of a three-game series at Nationals Park. The Nationals won the last game 8-3 and Washington leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 26 and will air on MASN and FSSD.
In his last start, Gonzalez pitched 5.0 innings, giving up four runs (one unearned), striking out five and walking two in a 10-3 loss to the Brewers. Yunel Escobar (.307, 59 Rs, 9 HRs, 41 RBIs, 2 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 3 with two runs and one RBI. The Padres were unsuccessful the last time Ross pitched. He pitched well, going 6.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out five and walking three in a 3-2 loss to the Braves.
Washington is a heavy -186 favorite at home and the Over/Under (O/U) for this matchup is set at six runs. When playing as the favorite, the Nationals have a 50-38 record and overall money line at -1,204. Washington has averaged 5.8 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 4.2. Washington’s pitching staff will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent struggles. The Nationals have given up an average of 5.4 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 4.0 runs per game. The Nationals are the best in the NL in walks allowed, giving up just 2.1 per game.
Switching gears, the Padres come into this game with a win percentage of .420 when playing as the underdog (29-40) and an overall money line of -498. During the last 10 games, they averaged 5.6 runs per game, above their 4.1 season average. The Padres are known for their bats, hitting 336 extra base hits. Switching gears to San Diego’s pitching staff, they have some of the most overpowering arms in the NL with an average of 8.3 strikeouts per game.
The Nationals are 4-1 against the Padres this season. This game will feature Ross (RHP) on the mound against the Nationals, who have a 47-48 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Padres will be the right-hander Gonzalez. They sport a 47-52 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Padres have a 12-26 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
It looks like the Nationals have a slight leg up on the Padres, as the Nationals have won their last three games while the Padres have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Padres are 45-12. The Nationals have a 49-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 18th, San Diego sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 508 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 14th with 526.
Ranking 22nd, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 321 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 400.
The Nationals are 46-30 when they hit at least one home run. The Padres perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 42-24 record.
