Strasburg to send Nats past Braves?
After Atlanta gave them a stiffer-than-expected test in Monday’s opener, the Nationals shoot for a more authoritative showing this evening.
Dusty Baker sends Stephen Strasburg to the bump at 7:10 p.m. ET in hopes of securing the two-game sweep for one of the senior circuit’s most intriguing clubs. According to oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSInline sports book BetDSI, Washington is a 1.5-run favorite to turn the trick at Turner Field.
The Nats’ talent-laden squad needed extras to edge the Braves two days ago, 4-3, with new infielder Daniel Murphy plating the game-winner in the 10th. That contest featured a fine duel between starters Max Scherzer and Julio Teheran, as well as the first dinger of the year from reigning MVP Bryce Harper.
Strasburg has designs on continuing the momentum tonight. Injuries limited the righty to 23 starts and barely 127 innings last season, but he still registered 11 wins and held opposing batters to a .236 average. Now in his contract campaign, plenty of motivation exists to commence things in a positive fashion.
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Atlanta, meanwhile, gives the ball to veteran Bud Norris. He split 2015 between Baltimore and San Diego, finishing with a career-worst 6.72 ERA in 11 starts and 27 relief outings. An excruciatingly long battle with bronchitis also resulted in two stints on the disabled list.
Washington needs more punch from those not named Harper or Murphy, and it should begin today. Look out for Ryan Zimmerman, who boasts a 5-for-14 track record vs. Norris, to ignite matters. Strasburg’s flamethrower tendencies will take care of the rest.
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