Game 118 lineups: Nats vs. Angels

The Nationals are coming off a rough couple of days in which they sat through multiple rain delays with a dramatic comeback only to fall in the 10th inning to the Giants on Thursday then a rare extra-inning win against the Angels on Friday. Last night’s 3-2 win was just the Nats’ fourth in 12 games that have gone to extras, but at least they are no longer tied with the miserable White Sox for last in the majors in such affairs.

Now they turn their attention to tonight’s game. A victory against the Halos on Saturday would give the Nats their second series win in their last three and put them in position for a sweep tomorrow morning. (No, I don’t know why they are keeping tonight’s game as a 6:45 p.m. start before tomorrow’s 11:35 a.m. start nationally on Roku.)

Mitchell Parker was charged with two unearned runs over 6 ⅓ innings last night. A similar outing from Patrick Corbin would be much appreciated tonight, especially with the state of the Nats bullpen up in the air. Yes, Corbin leads the majors with 12 losses this season. And yes, he gave up four early runs in his last outing against the Giants.

But he actually battled back to complete six innings on Monday to give his team a chance. Since the offense only scored one run on the night, Corbin is still left in search of his 100th career win.

The Nats offense would love to get to an early lead against Griffin Canning, who is 4-10 with a 5.10 ERA and 1.414 WHIP in 23 starts this season. With Corbin on the mound and closer Kyle Finnegan likely not available after throwing a combined 57 pitches over the last two nights, the more runs the better off the Angels right-hander.

Some pregame roster moves: The Nats recalled infielder José Tena (acquired in the Lane Thomas trade) and optioned Trey Lipscomb to Triple-A Rochester. They also reinstated Jordan Weems from the 15-day injured list after optioning Joan Adon last night.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 6:45 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, DC 87.7 (Spanish), MLB.com
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 85 degrees, wind 6 mph from left to right field

NATIONALS
RF Alex Call
2B Luis García Jr.
1B Juan Yepez
LF James Wood
C Keibert Ruiz
3B José Tena
DH Travis Blankenhorn
CF Jacob Young
SS Nasim Nuñez

LHP Patrick Corbin

ANGELS
2B Michael Stefanic
SS Zach Neto
C Logan O'Hoppe
CF Kevin Pillar
LF Taylor Ward
3B Anthony Rendon
RF Jo Adell
1B Brandon Drury
DH Matt Thaiss

RHP Griffin Canning