Matchup: Houston Astros (22-11) vs. Washington Nationals (11-22)Pitching Matchup: LHP Framber Valdez (1–2, 3.34 ERA) | RHP Josiah Gray (4–2, 3.45)Game Info: Friday, May 13, 2022 l 7:05 p.m. ET | Game #34 | Home #18Location: Nationals Park | Washington, D.C.TV/Radio: MASN | Radio: 106.7 The Fan / Nationals Radio Network

Friday night will mark the first time that the Houston Astros have played at Nationals Park since the 2019 World Series game 5. It will also mark the first time that former Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker will return to Nationals Park since 2017. The Nationals have won 13 of their last 15 regular-season games over the Houston Astros since the start of the 2012 season.

The Bullpen of Strength? The Washington Nationals bullpen has been impressive over the past few games. Combined, Washington relievers coming from the bullpen have just allowed one earned run in nine innings over the past two games, struck out seven batters without issuing a walk, and held opposing batters to a .182 average which is 6-33. The bullpen has pitched scoreless relief in three of the last six games, pitching to an impressive 3.47 ERA

Juan Swings for the fences Juan Soto has hit homers in back-to-back games entering tonight's game and has hit safely in five straight and in nine of his last 10 games since May 1. Also, during this stretch, Soto is hitting .310 with two doubles, four homers, six RBI, four walks, two stolen bases, and eight runs scored. Soto also ranks second in the National League in walks with 25, tied for second in home runs with 8, and in fourth for runs scored with 23 this season.

Keibert on a roll Catcher Keibert Ruiz is currently on a hot streak going 9-27 with two doubles, one home run, six RBI, three walks, one stolen base, and four runs scored over his last seven games. Ruiz's 25 hits tie him for third among Major League catchers behind Wilson Contreras and J.T. Realmuto and are tied with Travis d'Arnud.

Josiah Gray vs. the Houston Astros. This will be the first time that Josiah Gray will face any batters from the Houston Astros. Currently, Gray is 4-2 with an ERA of 3.45 with 34 strikeouts this season. Gray's WHIP is 1.31 over the 31 and a third innings that he has been pitched. In his first interleague start of the season, he pitched 5.1 innings and allowed three runs on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Gray earned his fourth win of the season on May 7 as the Nationals won 7-3 at Los Angeles (AL).

Check out our series preview against the Houston Astros

Washington Nationals