In the second of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (12-4) and the Minnesota Twins (5-12) at Nationals Park, Tanner Roark (1-2, 3.71 ERA) and Phil Hughes (1-2, 4.42 ERA) take the mound. The Nationals won the last game 8-4, and Washington leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 23 and will air on MASN and FSN.
In his most recent outing, Roark pitched 6.0 innings, allowing five runs (one unearned), striking out two and walking two in a 6-1 loss to the Marlins. Daniel Murphy (.411, 9 Rs, 2 HRs, 9 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs and one RBI. The Twins were victorious over the Brewers 7-4 the last time Hughes pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up four runs (one unearned), striking out six and walking two. Eduardo Nunez (.405, 6 Rs, 7 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with two RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Nationals have a 3-9 record SU against the American League. Washington has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. As for the Washington defense and pitching staff, teams routinely struggle to score runs against the Nationals, who allow an NL-low 0.0 runs per game. The Nationals are third in the league in WHIP at 1.072.
When playing NL opponents, the Twins have an 11-4 record SU. Minnesota has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Twins average just 10.9 strikeouts per road game, good for least in the AL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Minnesota pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
The only other game between the two teams went Washington’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Twins have a 2-6 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 1-10. The Nationals have a 1-3 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 15th in home runs, Minnesota has hit 16 this season. Washington ranks ninth with 20 home runs.
Ranking 18th, Washington is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 7.93 per game. Minnesota ranks in the top half at 11th with 8.44.
Washington and Minnesota both rank in the top half of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Washington sits at 12th with an OPS of .748, and Minnesota ranks 14th with an OPS of .728.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 2-8. When the Nationals allow one or more homers, they have a 6-3 record.
