Nats game blog: Nationals look to Strasburg to prevent sweep vs. Mets

The Nationals look for Stephen Strasburg to do two very important things in his start tonight against the Mets.

They need the right-hander to keep the score down and go at least six innings to help a wounded bullpen.

The 'pen allowed six runs on six walks and three hits in the seventh inning Tuesday. The Mets were able to erase a 7-1 lead. You know the rest of the story.

desmond-swing-red-sidebar.jpgThe Mets counter with right-hander Jacob deGrom (12-7, 2.40 ERA). He has won four of his last five decisions and beat the Nationals 7-2 on July 21 at Nationals Park. That was his first career win in five career starts against the Nationals.

Against deGrom, Bryce Harper is hitting .385 (5-for-13) with five strikeouts and Ian Desmond .308 (4-for-13) with a homer, five RBIs and six strikeouts.

Strasburg has not pitched since August 30 as he skipped a start to deal with a sore back. He is 4-2 with a 2.64 ERA in eight career starts against the Mets. He lost to the Mets 6-3 on April 8 at Nats Park, allowing six runs (three earned) in 5 1/3 innings on nine hits, with three walks and five strikeouts.




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