Game 14: Nats at Brewers

Fresh off a rousing win in Friday night's series opener, the Nationals try to make it two in a row in Milwaukee

How about that win Friday night? What was more astonishing: 1) The Nationals scoring four runs in the ninth thanks to three bunts, or 2) The Nationals bullpen churning out four scoreless – and walkless – innings to close out the game? Whatever the case, it was a thing of beauty to watch. And it should set them up well for the rest of the weekend series in Milwaukee.

Foster Griffin makes his third start of the season. And just as was the case against the Phillies and Dodgers, the left-hander goes into this one knowing the opposition has never faced him before. Griffin admits that helped him in those first two games, but he also acknowledges the unfamiliarity won’t last forever. Teams will start to develop a scouting report on him, so it’s up to him to adjust as needed. Which of these will Griffin throw more of tonight: Innings or types of pitches? The Nats would love to see him reach seven of each.

The Brewers start another left-hander tonight, but Kyle Harrison is no opener like Aaron Ashby was. He’ll attempt to go deep into the game, so it’s incumbent upon the Nationals’ left-handed batters to hang in there and deliver quality at-bats. The good news: Both James Wood and CJ Abrams have homered off Harrison before.

As you know, I’m not in Milwaukee this weekend. Barring some kind of major news, I’ll just be writing up a full weekend recap at the end of the series as opposed to individual pieces off each game. But I will again try to share some thoughts in the comments below as this one plays out.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Where: American Family Field
Gametime: 7:10 p.m. EDT
TV: Nationals TV (channel listings)
Radio: 106.7 FM
Weather: Roof closed

NATIONALS
DH James Wood
1B Curtis Mead
3B Brady House
LF Daylen Lile
RF Joey Wiemer
SS CJ Abrams
CF Jacob Young
2B Nasim Nuñez
C Keibert Ruiz

LHP Foster Griffin

BREWERS
2B Brice Turang
3B Luis Rengifo
C William Contreras
DH Christian Yelich
1B Gary Sánchez
LF Brandon Lockridge
RF Sal Frelick
CF Blake Perkins
SS Joey Ortiz

LHP Kyle Harrison