Washington (34-23) at Chicago White Sox (29-28)
When: Tuesday, June 7th 2016
Where: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, IL
Time: 8:10 ET | TV: MASN2, CSN Chicago
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The Chicago White Sox look to stay above .500 when they open a nine-game homestand Tuesday night with the first of three against the Washington Nationals. Chicago won 23 of its first 33 games but is in danger of falling back to the .500 mark for the first time this season after getting swept in Detroit by the Tigers. The White Sox have dropped 10 of 12 and allowed at least five runs on eight occasions, prompting the move to acquire right-hander James Shields from San Diego, who will make his White Sox debut on Wednesday. White Sox CF Austin Jackson (turf toe) has missed six straight games, but LF Melky Cabrera is expected back from a family emergency leave. That Nationals pitching had a rough weekend in Cincinnati losing two of three against the Reds while surrendering 22 runs. Washington still holds a two-game lead in the N.L. East over the Mets and have won four of six overall. Reigning National League Player of the Month Daniel Murphy was hitless in his first eight at-bats against Cincinnati before collecting three hits on Sunday, including a homer, to raise his major league-leading batting average to .384. Bryce Harper, the 2015 NL MVP, snapped out of a 5-for-35 slump with his first three-hit game since April 15th. Nationals C Wilson Ramos is 9-for-16 with two homers, six RBIs and six runs scored during a five-game hitting streak.
Pitchers: Nationals – Joe Ross (5-4, 2.37 ERA) | White Sox – Mat Latos (6-1, 4.02)
Joe Ross gets the start for Washington and he’s been flying under the radar because of the other aces on the team. He won his second straight start by limiting Philadelphia to one run on three hits over seven innings after holding St. Louis to a run and six hits over seven innings in his previous outings. Although Ross has endured a four-start losing streak, he’s permitted two earned runs or fewer in eight of 10 starts.
Mat Latos has a nice 6-1 record, but he’s been hit very hard lately. He has allowed at least four runs in five of his last six outings and pitched past the 5th inning just once in that span. Latos sported a tiny 0.74 ERA after winning his first four starts, but he has surrendered eight homers over his last six games. He does own a solid mark versus Washington with a 4-2 record and 2.53 ERA in nine career starts.
Latos is really struggling right now and so are the White Sox. Ross has been very solid for Washington this year and Harper may be heating up again. I like the Nationals tonight.
Pick: Nationals -135
