Game 19 lineups: Nats at Orioles

BALTIMORE - If you haven't heard, the Nationals have started this 60-game season with a 7-11 record. And if you haven't heard, the equivalent record in a 162-game season would be 19-31. Yes, with 30 percent of the 2020 season completed, the Nats are playing at exactly the same pace they played at through the first 30 percent of the 2019 season.

But wait, there's more. At this point last season, the Nationals were scoring 4.38 runs per game. This season, they're scoring 4.39. Their on-base percentage at the time last season was .316. Their on-base percentage now is .312. Their pitching staff's WHIP was 1.38. Now it's 1.39. It's kind of freaky, actually.

Here's the biggest difference: Through 50 games last season, the Nationals rotation had a 3.89 ERA and was averaging 5.83 innings per start. Through 18 games this season, the rotation has a 4.56 ERA and is averaging only 4.56 innings per start. (On the bright side, the bullpen ERA at this point last season was an unfathomable 7.02. This season, it's a respectable 4.16.)

If the Nats are to turn the 2020 season around and make another late charge like they did one year ago, they're going to have to get better starting pitching. And it begins with Max Scherzer, who by all accounts is healthy again. He's on the mound for today's series finale at Camden Yards. The Nationals need him to come up big.

And if he does, and if things take off from there? Well, maybe when it's all said and done Aug. 16 will be the new May 24 ...

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Where: Camden Yards
Gametime: 1:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Rain ending, 73 degrees, wind 9 mph in from center field

NATIONALS
SS Trea Turner
LF Juan Soto
1B Asdrúbal Cabrera
C Kurt Suzuki
3B Carter Kieboom
DH Josh Harrison
CF Victor Robles
RF Michael A. Taylor
2B Wilmer Difo

RHP Max Scherzer

ORIOLES
2B Hanser Alberto
RF Anthony Santander
3B Rio Ruiz
1B Renato Núñez
C Chance Sisco
DH Pedro Severino
LF Dwight Smith Jr.
SS Pat Valaika
CF Cedric Mullins

LHP John Means