washington nationals will look to win their second home series of the season when they face Detroit Tigers In a rubber match of the three-match series on Sunday
Washington’s only series win citizens Park was in when he pitched three of four games against the Chicago Cubs from May 1–4.
At 9–15, Washington has the worst home record in the National League.
citizenswho ended a four-game losing streak with a 5-2 win on Saturday after losing the series opener 8-6 on Friday, will turn to their ace in Sunday’s series finale
Right-hander Josiah Gray (3-5, 2.73 ERA) held the Miami Marlins to two runs (one earned) on seven hits with five strikeouts and a 5-4 loss in his last start last Tuesday.
Gray has allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts.
After giving up three homers in his first start of the season on April 1, he has given up only two in his last eight.
“He throws the ball really well, (and) he has an incredible game plan and routine,” citizens Manager Dave Martinez said of Gray, who Tigers, “He wants to fight. He wants to pitch deep in games
“I think he’s learned to control his heartbeat in these high-leverage situations and get through it.”
on saturday citizens They fell behind 2–1 before taking the lead for good in the fifth on Len Thomas’s two-out, two-run single to left. citizens Kiebert Ruiz’s run-scoring single in the sixth extended their advantage to 4–2. Jamar Candelario, who hit a solo homer in the fourth, capped the scoring with a double in the eighth that scored Thomas, who hit a leadoff double.
“Those guys are good hitters too, professional hitters,” said Detroit starter Alex Fedo, who allowed three runs on five hits and no walks in five innings Saturday. “He took advantage of some mistakes and hit some good pitches. Hats off to him.”
Candelario is hitting .522 (12-for-23) with four doubles, one triple, two homers, five RBI and five runs scored in his last six games.
Martínez said of Candelario, “The biggest thing is he’s trying to hit a home run every time he at bats.” “Just stay on the ball. He has so much power that when he hits the ball and gets it in the air, he’ll hit home runs. … That’s what he is.”
Thomas, who went 3-for-4 with two RBI on Saturday, has reached base in 17 straight games while hitting .348 during that span.
Tigers Will compete with left-hander Joe Wentz (1-3, 6.38), who allowed three strikeouts and three runs on six hits over just 2 2/3 innings in a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners last Sunday.
“I didn’t contribute to the win,” said Wentz, making his first career appearance. citizens on Sunday. “But still, great job by the guys.
– Field Level Media