In the first of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (62-61) and the San Diego Padres (61-63) at Nationals Park, Stephen Strasburg (7-6, 4.22 ERA) and James Shields (9-5, 3.74 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 25 and will air on MASN and FSSD.
In his most recent outing, Strasburg pitched 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs (one unearned) and striking out five in a 4-1 victory over the Rockies. Bryce Harper (.330, 86 Rs, 31 HRs, 74 RBIs, 5 SBs) continued his strong season Sunday, going 2 for 5 with one run. The Padres were also victorious the last time Shields pitched. He pitched well, going 6.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 9-0 victory over the Braves. Justin Upton (.258, 66 Rs, 20 HRs, 67 RBIs, 18 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Padres, going 2 for 5 Sunday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Washington’s pitching staff has fallen apart in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game rose to 5.4 during that span, compared to its 4.0 season average. The Nationals are the best in the NL in walks allowed, giving up just 2.1 per game.
San Diego has been playing better lately, averaging 5.6 runs per game, more than their season average of 4.1. San Diego is one of the top hitting teams in the league with 334 extra base hits. The San Diego pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 8.3 strikeouts per game.
In their previous four games this season, the Nationals have a 3-1 record. The Nationals will take on a right-hander (Shields) in this game and have a 46-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Padres will be the right-hander Strasburg. They sport a 47-51 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was
Notes
Washington has won 53% (29-26) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, San Diego has won 54% (32-27) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Padres 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 28-17 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Padres are 45-12. The Nationals have a 48-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 17th in runs, San Diego has earned 505 this season. Washington ranks 14th with 518 runs.
Ranking 22nd, San Diego is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 320 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 393.
The Nationals are 45-30 when they hit at least one home run. The Padres perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 42-23 record.
