Game Notes: Washington Nationals V. Tampa Bay Rays (September 7, 2020)
The Nationals have lost eight of their last ten games, and their offense is searching for answers.
Game Details:
Washington Nationals (14-25) at Tampa Bay Rays(28-13)
RHP Max Scherzer (3-2, 3.95 ERA) | RHP Charlie Morton (1-1 4.82 ERA)
Monday, September 7, 2020 | 6:05 p.m. EST | Game #40 |
Nationals Park | Washington D.C.
TV: MASN | Radio: 106.7 The Fan / Nationals Radio Network
The Latest From The Washington Nationals
The Nationals have lost eight of their last ten games, and their offense is searching for answers.
On Saturday, the Nationals decided to recall their top prospect third baseman Carter Kieboom to play every day at third base for the rest of the season. Carter Kieboom is batting .207 with no-extra bases hits and six RBI's in 19 games but has walked 12 times.
The Latest From The Tampa Bay Rays
The American League East-leading Tampa Bay Rays continue to get winning efforts from players they didn't pencil into their plans coming out of spring training 2.0.
Since getting swept by the Baltimore Orioles back at the beginning of August, the Rays haven't dropped any of their last ten series - winning eight and splitting two.
The Rays have stretched their lead in the AL East to 5 1/2 games over the second-place Toronto Blue Jays.
Rays Outfielder Randy Arozarena became the latest unsung contributors helping the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays acquired Randy Arozarena back in January from the St. Louis Cardinals. Randy Arozarena had pair of solo home runs and had a total of three hits, as the Rays won a 5-4 thriller by scoring two runs in the bottom of the 10th against the other Flordia Team, the Marlins.
Today's GameNotes:
The Washington Nationals start a two-game series against the American East Leading Tampa Bay Rays.
What To Watch
Mad Max
Washington ace Max Scherzer (3-2, 3.95 ERA) won three times last month but lost 3-0 his previous time out against the Philadelphia Phillies. The righty is 5-3 with a 2.66 ERA in 10 career starts against the Rays. Max has currently pitched 43.1 innings and has given up 44 hits, 19 runs, and six home runs. He also has strikeout 61, and only walked 16 batters this season.
During his last seven games, Scherzer has pitched 38 innings and has 50 strikeouts.
Leading Men
Despite overall team trouble this year, Trea Turner is having a fantastic year at the plate. Turner is currently leading the Washington Nationals in batting average at .346, an OPB of .417, and a slugging percentage of .635. Trea Turner is also leading the league in batting average. At the same time, Juan Soto is leading the majors in slugging percentage at .758
Making It Rain
Tanner Rainey is proving to be a valuable asset for the Washington Nationals out of the bullpen. Currently, Rainey ranks among the top relievers in strikeouts and OBP. After stranding his first ten inherited runners of the season, Rainey allowed his first inherited runner to score on September 4, against Atlanta.
Lineup
Washington Nationals
- Adam Eaton RF
- Trea Turner SS
- Brock Holt DH
- Kurt Suzuki C
- Josh Harrison 2B
- Eric Thames 1B
- Carter Kieboom 3B
- Michael A. Taylor LF
- Victor Robles CF
Tampa Bay Rays
- A. MeadowsLF
- B. Lowe RF
- J. Wendle 2B
- J. Choi 1B
- W. Adames SS
- Y. Tsutsugo 3B
- K. Kiermaier CF
- N. Lowe DH
- K. Smith C
Injury Report
- Luis Garica (SS) Bruised Heel
- Soto (LF) (Elbow)
Latest Washington Nationals Headlines:
- Nationals And GM Rizzo Agree To A Multi-Year Contract Extension via The Nats Report
- Confused about Mike Rizzo's ejection by Joe West? So was Davey Martinez via NBC Sports Washington
- Martinez pleased Rizzo endorses a new contract for skipper via MASN Sports.
Members Discussion