Game 159 lineups: Nats vs. Pirates

By Mark Zuckerman

Nationals

September 28, 2017, 11:09am

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And we're back on South Capitol Street for the final weekend of the regular season. The Nationals wrap things up with four games against the Pirates. A few months back, this series looked like it could carry some significance for at least one of the two teams, maybe even both. Instead, they're just playing out the string, with the Bucs having struggled over the last month and fallen out of contention and the Nats having long since clinched a division title and now just prepping for the Cubs in the postseason.

Tonight's opener features Edwin Jackson in what figures to be his final opportunity to make a case for a spot on the postseason roster (likely as a long reliever). Jackson has not pitched well in a couple of weeks. Even if it's too late to make the October pitching staff, you've got to believe he wants to finish his season on a more positive note.

The Nationals, who still have an outside shot at a franchise-record 99 wins if they sweep this series, will be facing right-hander Ivan Nova in tonight's opener.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 184/869, MLB.com
Weather: Clear, 72 degrees, wind 13 mph in from left field

NATIONALS (95-63)
SS Wilmer Difo
RF Victor Robles
3B Anthony Rendon
2B Daniel Murphy
LF Howie Kendrick
1B Adam Lind
CF Michael A. Taylor
C Jose Lobaton
RHP Edwin Jackson

PIRATES (73-85)
2B Christopher Bostick
LF Starling Marte
CF Andrew McCutchen
1B Josh Bell
RF Jordan Luplow
3B Sean Rodriguez
C Elias DÃaz
SS Max Moroff
RHP Ivan Nova