Game Thread: Nova vs the Nationals

Fresh off a victory and looking to extend their streak to two, the Pirates send Ivan Nova (4-6, 4.48) to the mound against the Nationals’ Jefry Rodriguez (0-0, 5.52)

The 24 year old right handed rookie Rodriguez has been on the Nick Kingham plan this year, now on his fourth recall, the first two of which were for one day each. His major league experience comprises two starts and two relief appearances. He’s only had one career appearance in Triple-A, as the rest of his season is comprised of thirteen starts at Double-A Harrisburg where he had a 3.31 ERA, along with 3.7 walks and 9.5 strikeouts per 9 innings. In his limited MLB action, Rodriguez has average 95.2 mph on his fastball, which he uses 45% of the time, along with a curve 27% and two-seamer 22%.

After a streak of four quality starts coming off the disabled list, Nova had perhaps the worst game of his career last Tuesday in Los Angeles as he allowed five homeruns and another two balls off the wall.

Despite having ten RBIs on Saturday and hits in eight of his last ten atbats, Mark Reynolds won’t be in the National’s lineup as it will feature six left-handed bats. Daniel Murphy, who was disabled when the Pirates were in D.C., returned to action on June 12, but so far is hitting only 194/231/264 in 22 games. Adam Eaton similarly returned June 9, but has been more productive (276/353/289) over that stretch than Murphy, although with only one extra base hit.

Josh Bell and Jordy Mercer have the day off for the Pirates, as Corey Dickerson slides up to the leadoff spot.

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NATIONALS

1 R Trea Turner SS

2 L Juan Soto LF

3 R Anthony Rendon 3B

4 L Bryce Harper CF

5 L Matt Adams 1B

6 L Daniel Murphy 2B

7 L Adam Eaton RF

8 S Matt Wieters C

9 R Jefry Rodriguez RHP

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PIRATES

1 L Corey Dickerson LF

2 R Starling Marte CF

3 L Gregory Polanco RF

4 L Colin Moran 3B

5 R Francisco Cervelli C

6 R David Freese 1B

7 R Josh Harrison 2B

8 S Max Moroff SS

9 R Ivan Nova RHP