The Milwaukee Brewers’ second-half slide continues. They dropped two games out of three during their three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies as they fell to just 1-7 in their last eight games.
They will now turn to Zach Davies to stop the rot. The 24-year-old had one of his best starts of the season in his most recent outing as he went seven scoreless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, he was a no-decision as the Brewers lost that game, 3-2.
In general, though, the Brewers have been able to provide Davies with ample run support. Milwaukee has averaged nearly seven runs per game in Davies’ last eight starts prior to the Pirates game, and are 7-1 in their those games.
Ryan Braun is having a disappointing season, but he’s heating up a bit at the moment. The former MVP went 4-of-6 with two doubles and five RBIs in his last two games against the Phillies.
After a brief two-game stumble which saw them lose a six-game win streak, the Nats are back on another winning run as they took their last two games against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The much-maligned Nats bullpen deserves credit for holding up for seven innings after Stephen Strasburg left after just two innings into yesterday’s game.
Edwin Jackson will be looking to deliver a third straight win when he makes his second start for the Nationals. He got the win in his Washington debut against the Angels as he went seven innings and gave up just two earned runs (both solo homers).
It’ll be the first time Washington will go back home post-All-Star break. The Nats haven’t been quite as strong at home as they are on the road, but they are still 8-5 over their last 13 games at Nationals Park.
Writer’s Prediction
The Nats (-133) make it three in a row as they beat the Brewers at home.
