After two frustrating losses to open the season, the Nationals look to get into the win column
In the first two games of the season, the Nationals have seen their solid starting pitching squandered by some brutal performances from the bullpen. Hopefully today is the day we get our first curly W in the books.
Mitchell Parker will take the mound for his first start of the season, squaring off veteran Phillies starter Aaron Nola. Parker came into spring battling for a spot in the Nationals rotation. With a strong spring and struggles from the other candidates, Parker took the fifth starter job comfortably. He will look to prove the Nats right with a strong start to the season.
Before 2024, Mitchell Parker was largely an unknown. He had put up big strikeout numbers in the minors, but was only a fifth round pick and didn’t get a ton of hype as a prospect. Heading into 2024, he was the Nats 22nd ranked prospect.
However, he showed a lot of good things in the big leagues last year. Parker posted a respectable 4.29 ERA in 151 innings last season. He started out very strong with a 3.90 ERA in the first half, before fading a bit down the stretch. In his lone start against the Phillies, he struggled allowing 9 runs in 3 innings. Hopefully Parker can give the Nats a quality start.
If Parker can do that, a scoreless day from the bullpen will go a long way. The guys out there are professionals and know they have to be better. I bet the relievers will come out today with a point to prove. Jorge Lopez, who has not pitched yet is a guy I would love to see throw today.
On the other side of the ball, Nats hitters are facing a familiar foe. Aaron Nola will be making his 34th career start against the Nats. In the 33 starts before this, the right hander has basically performed to his career averages against the Nats, posting a 3.62 ERA.
Nola is a bit of a throwback pitcher. He doesn’t have that massive velocity, but he uses his command to get through lineups. Nola is also as dependable as they come. He has made at least 32 starts in each of the last six non-COVID shortened seasons.
The Nats lineup getting going early and giving the pitching staff a cushion would be heavily appreciated. Getting swept at home the first series of the season would not be a great look, so I think the boys will come out ready to play today. Dylan Crews is also probably eager to make up for his five strikeout day.
It should be a fun day of baseball as the Nats take on the Phils at 1:35 EST. Let’s get that first curly W!