In the second of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (20-12) and the Detroit Tigers (14-17) at Nationals Park, Joe Ross (3-1, 1.23 ERA) and Michael Fulmer (1-1, 6.30 ERA) get the ball. The Tigers lost the last game 5-4, extending a seven-game losing streak. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 10 and will air on MASN and FSDT.
In his most recent outing, Ross pitched 6.2 innings, allowing two runs, striking out nine and walking two in a 5-2 loss to the Cubs. Daniel Murphy (.398, 21 Rs, 5 HRs, 20 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. The Tigers were unsuccessful against the Indians 9-4 the last time Fulmer pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing five runs, striking out six and walking two. Nick Castellanos (.380, 14 Rs, 6 HRs, 26 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well offensively for the Tigers, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Nationals have a SU record of 9-15 against the AL. Over their past 10 games, Washington’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Washington pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 0.0 runs per game. The Nationals are second in the league in WHIP at 1.133.
When playing NL opponents, the Tigers have a 14-11 record SU. Detroit has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Detroit pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. The Detroit pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging an AL-best 6.7 strikeouts per game.
So far this season, the Nationals are 1-0 against the Tigers.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
Detroit has won 42% (5-7) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 58% (7-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are heading in with a 7-7 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 11-3. The Nationals have a 15-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 16th in runs, Detroit has earned 135 this season. Washington ranks 10th with 141 runs.
Ranking 22nd, Detroit is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 89 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 with 112.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 15-6, well-matched with the Tigers who are 13-8 when hitting one or more homers.
