SAN DIEGO – On the heels of an uplifting win in Thursday night’s series opener, the Nationals are back at it tonight against the Padres. And if they’re going to make it two in a row, they’re going to have to do something they couldn’t do earlier this week: Beat Blake Snell.
The San Diego lefty thoroughly dominated this lineup Sunday at Nationals Park, tossing six innings of shutout ball, surrendering three measly singles while striking out 10. The Nats had no chance against him. For what it’s worth, that day Davey Martinez was without Nelson Cruz, Keibert Ruiz and Luis García. García remains out with a groin strain, but Cruz and Ruiz are in there tonight.
Paolo Espino also started Sunday’s game, and he had a tougher time against the Padres lineup, allowing four runs over 5 2/3 innings. A couple of walks, in particular, hurt Espino, who saw his pitch count skyrocket and finished with 109 despite not completing six innings.
Of note: Josh Bell is not starting for San Diego tonight. The big guy is in a real funk right now. Over his last seven games (four of which came against the Nats) he’s 1-for-30 with zero RBIs. Maybe a night off will help him clear his head after what’s obviously been an emotionally draining few weeks.
Update: Luke Voit has been scratched from tonight's lineup with back tightness. Joey Meneses will move to first base, with Victor Robles now added to the batting order and starting in center field.