St. Louis @ Washington preview
Nationals Park
Last Meeting ( Aug 31, 2012 ) St. Louis 0, Washington 10
The St. Louis Cardinals just can't get their high-octane offense untracked. Considering that Mike Matheny's club has yielded 18 runs to the Washington Nationals in the first two contests of the four-game set, the team's pitching isn't lending a hand, either. The Cardinals will look to get it together on Saturday when they continue their series against the Nationals. St. Louis has been outscored 32-1 during its four-game losing skid.
While the Cardinals are clinging to the second wild card, Washington has won three in a row to build a 6 1/2-game lead over Atlanta atop the National League East. Ryan Zimmerman belted a two-run homer and rookie Bryce Harper ripped a two-run single as the Nationals breezed to a 10-0 triumph on Friday. The Nationals will likely have a tougher time against Saturday starter Kyle Lohse, who is riding an eight-game winning streak.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Kyle Lohse (14-2, 2.64 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (9-8, 2.63)
Lohse, who hasn't lost since June 15, has permitted two runs or less in 12 of his last 13 starts. The 33-year-old is 4-2 in his career versus the Nationals, but has yet to face them this season. Lohse allowed two runs on five hits versus Pittsburgh in his last outing, but was done for the night after a 34-minute rain delay.
After winning six in a row, Zimmermann suffered his second consecutive loss following a five-inning effort versus Philadelphia on Sunday. The 26-year-old has issued seven walks over his last three starts - a high number considering he allowed six free passes in his previous eight starts. Zimmermann is 0-2 versus the Cardinals, but has yet to face them this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis placed All-Star SS Rafael Furcal on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right elbow. Furcal suffered the injury during Thursday's series opener. In a corresponding move, SS Pete Kozma was promoted from Triple-A Memphis.
2. The Cardinals have collected just 18 hits in their last four games.
3. Harper recorded his third straight multi-hit game and has eight RBIs in that stretch.