For a while there it seemed nothing would be able to halt the Washington Nationals. But over the past week, even they learned the power of good pitching. Despite having one of the best rotations in baseball, Washington’s paltry lineup hasn’t been able to muster up much of a spark.
They’re still looking for answers now on a five-game losing streak they hope to snap Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Nationals’ starters have the best combined ERA at 1.78 after Gio Gonzalez’s great outing Sunday. He only allowed two runs, but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-0.
Runs have been at a premium at all Washington games it seems as the team allows almost zero, yet scores 3.23 a game itself.
“It’s frusttrating for our pitching,” Adam LaRoche told the team’s website. “We feel terrible, because they are doing everything they can possibly do. They are throwing some great games – all of them. We are not pushing the runs across.”
The team even brought up young phenom Bryce Harper to try and buoy the lineup. He’s 2-for-6 with an RBI in his first two games. The rookie makes his home debut tonight and will start in center. He had been starting in place of Jayson Werth, who was experiencing migranes. But the former All-Star will likely be back tonight. And that’s a good thing. Werth is swatting .382 in his career against Arizona.
A good sign is Jordan Zimmerman taking the mound, though. The last time Washington won, he was the starting pitcher, going six innings in a 6-2 win over the San Diego Padres. He’s only surrendered a run in each of his four starts this year. He’s got a good reputation against the Diamondbacks, too, going seven innings in a 6-1 win against Arizona last June.
But the Diamondbacks won three of four in their most recent meeting and started out their current road trip in good fashion. Justin Upton and Cody 
Ransom both hit bombs last night to beat the Miami Marlins, taking three of the four games.
“Overall I think we have been playing great,” manager Kirk Gibson told the AP. “Guys are loose and enthusiastic to play the game.”
The Nationals are favored by 1 1/2 runs, according to Bovada with a -150 moneyline.