Game 114 lineups: Nats vs. Giants

If you create a short list of Nationals players for whom the season’s final two months are especially important, MacKenzie Gore would certainly be included. The left-hander had a really strong opening two months, producing a 2.91 ERA and 1.278 WHIP in 11 starts. His last 11 starts, though, haven’t come close to that level: a 6.36 ERA and 1.758 WHIP.

So, which version of Gore will we see in August and September? The answer to that question could go a long way toward shaping everyone’s vision of what the 25-year-old really is heading into next season. He was better last week in Arizona, though still not great. An even better showing tonight against the Giants would be a nice indicator of an upward trend for him.

The Nationals would also love to provide Gore with some run support. To do so, they’ll have to take down a foe none of them has ever seen before. Hayden Birdsong, a 22-year-old rookie in only his third professional season, gets the start tonight. The right-hander has been quite good, with a 2.51 ERA and 1.169 WHIP in 13 starts at Double-A and Triple-A before making his major league debut, then a 2.97 ERA and 1.220 WHIP in six starts since arriving. He strikes out a lot of batters (11.3 per nine innings) but he also walks a lot of batters (4.5 per nine innings).

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 6:45 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 88.7 FM (Spanish), MLB.com
Weather: Partly cloudy, 90 degrees, wind 13 mph out to left field

NATIONALS
SS CJ Abrams
1B Juan Yepez
2B Luis García Jr.
C Keibert Ruiz
LF James Wood
DH Travis Blankenhorn
RF Alex Call
3B Ildemaro Vargas
CF Jacob Young

LHP MacKenzie Gore

GIANTS
Lineup TBA

RHP Hayden Birdsong