A win today would not only give the Nationals their first four-game winning streak of the season, it would give them a series sweep at home for the first time this year. The Nats have won three straight series.
Right-hander AnÃbal Sánchez takes the mound for the home team, coming off his best outing of the season. Sánchez came off the injured list after a left hamstring strain on May 29 and threw six innings of one-hit ball at Atlanta, walking one and striking out seven to pick up his first victory. He was perfect through 5 1/3 innings until allowing an Ozzie Albies single.
In that game, Sánchez prospered because he worked effectively down in the zone, mixing his pitches and keeping the Braves off-balance.
Like Sánchez, White Sox righty Dylan Covey is coming off his first win of the season. He went six innings in a 6-1 win over the Indians on May 31, allowing a run on eight hits with a walk and five strikeouts. Before that, Covey had gone 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA in his previous five starts.
Only three Nationals hitters have ever faced Covey, and they are hitting a cumulative .357/.400/.571. Catcher Yan Gomes is 2-for-9 and second baseman Brian Dozier is 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
Dozier's status, however, is unknown after he was hit by a pitch last night on his left forearm and left the game. He was sporting a big bruise on his arm after the game. X-rays on Dozier's arm were negative.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, MLB.com
Weather: Cloudy, 78 degrees, wind 13 mph in from left field
NATIONALS (27-33)
SS Trea Turner
RF Adam Eaton
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Juan Soto
2B Howie Kendrick
1B Matt Adams
C Kurt Suzuki
CF Victor Robles
RHP AnÃbal Sánchez
WHITE SOX (29-31)
CF Leury GarcÃa
3B Yoán Moncada
1B José Abreu
C Welington Castillo
LF Eloy Jiménez
RF Charlie Tilson
SS Tim Anderson
2B Yolmer Sánchez
RHP Dylan Covey