Game 31 lineups: Nats vs. Pirates

By Mark Zuckerman

Nationals

May 02, 2018, 11:13am

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After watching the team explode for 12 runs with Bryce Harper in the leadoff spot last night, Davey Martinez said he would probably "let it ride" for at least another day. Well, the Nationals manager is a man of his word, because tonight's lineup looks very similar.

Harper indeed is back in the leadoff spot, with Trea Turner and Matt Adams behind him. Ryan Zimmerman is getting the night off, so Howie Kendrick bumps up to the cleanup position, with Andrew Stevenson in left field while Adams moves in to play first base. We'll see if this look produces similar results against Pirates starter Ivan Nova as it did against Chad Kuhl.

Stephen Strasburg, meanwhile, looks to get himself back on track after taking the loss his last two times on the mound. With a well-rested bullpen after yesterday's blowout, Martinez can afford to not push Strasburg if his starter shows any signs of fading late.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Sunny, 85 degrees, wind 10 mph out to center field

NATIONALS
RF Bryce Harper
SS Trea Turner
1B Matt Adams
2B Howie Kendrick
CF Michael A. Taylor
LF Andrew Stevenson
C Pedro Severino
RHP Stephen Strasburg
3B Wilmer Difo

PIRATES
2B Max Moroff
RF Gregory Polanco
CF Starling Marte
1B Josh Bell
LF Corey Dickerson
C Francisco Cervelli
3B David Freese
SS Jordy Mercer
RHP Ivan Nova