Jordan Zimmermann (5-1, 1.10 ERA) gets the start for the Detroit Tigers (15-17) as they go up against Max Scherzer (3-2, 4.60 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (20-13) in the last of a three-game series at Nationals Park. The Tigers won the last game 5-4, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 11 and will air on MASN and FSDT.
In his most recent outing, Scherzer pitched 5.0 innings, allowing seven runs, striking out seven and walking three in an 8-6 loss to the Cubs. Daniel Murphy (.398, 22 Rs, 5 HRs, 20 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run. The Tigers were also unsuccessful the last time Zimmermann pitched. He tossed 8.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out two and walking one in a 5-1 loss to the Rangers. Victor Martinez (.333, 17 Rs, 5 HRs, 18 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well, going 4 for 5 yesterday with two runs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Nationals have a 9-15 record SU 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 third in the league in WHIP at 1.143.
Against teams in the National League, the Tigers are 14-11 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Detroit’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0. The Detroit pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 6.8 strikeouts per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
Detroit has won 46% (6-7) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 54% (7-6) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are heading in with a 5-7 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 15-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling in the top half of the league based on total runs this season, Washington ranks 12th with 145 runs and Detroit is 14th with 140.
Ranking 21st, Detroit is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 93 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 117.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 15-7, well-matched with the Tigers who are 14-8 when hitting one or more homers.
