The Washington Nationals travel to Seattle for a cross-league matchup against the Mariners.
Even coming off a series loss to the San Francisco Giants, Washington has been playing some great baseball lately. They are 7-3 in their last ten games, and with Hassell and Lyle making their debuts, it’s a great time to be a Washington Nationals fan. Even though Washington is coming into this series 24-29, seeing the development of the young talent and some great pitching as of late is giving fans something worth watching.
The Seattle Mariners are coming off a tough series loss to their division rival Houston Astros, only holding onto first place in the American League West by 1.5 games. Led by an incredible pitching staff, Seattle has a great chance to win their division and make it back to the playoffs.
SEATTLE TEAM STATS
OFFENSE
Led by superstar Cal Raleigh, Seattle has quietly had a very productive offensive season. The catcher is having a career year offensively (176 OPS+) and has improved tremendously on the defensive end. This isn’t a team that hits for a high average, as they are batting .237 (21st) but they have been hitting the cover off the ball, hitting 70 (6th) home runs to this point in the season. Seattle has scored 238 runs (10th), holds a .325 on-base percentage (9th), and a slugging percentage of .397 (12th).
PITCHING
This pitching staff is considered by some to be the best staff in all of baseball. Bryan Woo is currently breaking out andcurrently sits amongst some of the best pitchers in baseball with his stellar performance this season. Even with Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller injured, Luis Castillo and recently activated George Kirby provide great depth and top-tier talent. Seattle currently sits with a 3.69 ERA (10th), 1.32 WHIP (19th), and a .255 batting average against (23rd).
PITCHING MATCHUPS
GAME ONE – Tuesday, 9:40 EDT
WASHINGTON: LHP Mitchell Parker (4-3) – 10 G, 4.39 ERA, 36 SO, 1.30 WHIP
SEATTLE: RHP Logan Evans (2-1) – 5 G, 3.33 ERA, 21 SO, 1.44 WHIP
Mitchell Parker has shown flashes of becoming a long-term piece in Washington’s rotation alongside MacKenzie Gore. In his last seven starts, he holds an ERA of 5.59. In his last start, Parker threw 5.1 innings allowing six hits and three earned runs in a win against the Atlanta Braves.
Rookie Logan Evans has only five starts under his belt this season but has pitched solid for Seattle. In his last start, he struggled against the Chicago White Sox, going six innings and allowing six hits and four earned runs.
GAME TWO – Wednesday, 9:40 EDT
WASHINGTON: RHP Trevor Williams (2-5) – 10 G, 6.39 ERA, 41 SO, 1.56 WHIP
SEATTLE: RHP George Kirby (0-1) – 1 G, 12.27 ERA, 4 SO, 1.91 WHIP
Williams’ recent play could suggest a change in Washington’s rotation sooner rather than later. In his last three starts, he has given up a combined twelve earned runs. In his last start, he only lasted 3.2 innings, allowing four hits and five earned runs.
Kirby has been injured all season and threw his first start last week. He struggled in this start, only lasting 3.2 innings and allowing five earned runs. However, with his prior success, he should start to look at his former self sooner rather than later.
GAME THREE – Thursday, 9:40 EDT
WASHINGTON: LHP MacKenzie Gore (2-5) – 11 G, 3.47 ERA, 93 SO, 1.25 WHIP
SEATTLE: RHP Emerson Hancock (2-2) – 8 G, 5.95 ERA, 28 SO, 1.65 WHIP
The southpaw has been one of the league’s best pitchers this season, leading all of baseball in total strikeouts. In his last start against the San Francisco Giants, he pitched well, going six innings and allowing just one earned run while striking out nine batters.
Hancock has been an innings eater for Seattle, due to the lack of health in the starting rotation. In his last start against the Houston Astros, he threw six innings while allowing nine hits and three earned runs.
Washington has the chance to get back on track after a close series with a great San Francisco Giants team. However, Seattle has been a great team themselves, starting this series at the top of their own division. This could become a statement series for Washington if all goes well.