Drew Gordon
Now on a 43-33 roll with the plays I'm giving away, including the Astros over the Marlins 4-1 last night! For today's complimentary play, we're looking at the Milwaukee/Washington match up...
With both teams struggling, this one comes down to the pitching match up, and the edge here lies with the rookie J.D. Martin. Martin has improved from start to start, culminating in allowing just one unearned run at the Reds in his last one. He was also solid in the start prior, allowing 1 run over 5 innings to Arizona in front of the home fans August 9th. True, he got touched up for 5 runs against the Brewers back on July 30th, but that came on the road, and I expect the rook to get it right this time around at home.
Speaking of Milwaukee's offense, the best news for Martin is the suddenly sputtering Brewers attack, averaging just 3.2 runs per game in losing their L4 contests! Granted, the Nationals have never been an offensive juggernaut, but the way Braden Looper has pitched lately, things are looking good for Nats offense in this one.
Herein lies the problem for the visitor, as Braden Looper is 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA over his L2 starts. His inconsistent road play is no secret, getting crushed by the Padres for 6 runs, only to allow just 1 run at the Dodgers in the next road start. Needless to say, his 5.13 ERA on the highway is ugly, and although he's matched up against a rookie, I've seen more consistency from JD Martin than Looper at this point, plain and simple. Washington circles the wagons at home Friday night!
Take Washington behind J.D. Martin over Milwaukee and Looper in this MLB match up.
2♦ WASHINGTON
