Despite not securing a win or a loss during Spring Training, the Washington Nationals have designated left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore as the team's Home Opening Day starter, as reported by Spencer Nusbaum of the Washington Post.
Throughout Spring Training, Gore appeared in four games, pitching 15.1 innings and maintaining an ERA of 5.87. He also recorded 19 strikeouts.
Gore, along with C. J. Abrams, Luke Voit, Robert Hassell, James Wood, and JarlĂn Susana, was acquired by the Washington Nationals in a trade that involved Juan Soto and Josh Bell.
In a start against the San Diego Padres on June 25, 2023, Gore accomplished a Nationals franchise record by striking out the first six batters he faced.
Quick Notes đź““
Quick Notes: Josiah Gray named Opening Day Starter
Richard • Mar 17, 2024
There will be a different Opening Day starter for the Washington Nationals for the first time in years. The right-handed 22-year-old Josiah Gray will be the first Opening Day starter for the Nationals not named Patrick Corbin, Max Scherzer, or Stephen Strasburg
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By the conclusion of the 2023 season, Gore held a record of 7-10 with an ERA of 4.45. He appeared in 43 games, pitched 206.1 innings, struck out 223 batters, and maintained a WHIP of 1.42.
Similar to Gray, this marks the first instance since 2011 where a pitcher other than Patrick Corbin, Max Scherzer, or Stephen Strasburg, since Liván Hernández pitched his final season opener, will be the starting pitcher for the Home Opener at Nationals Park.
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