Photo by Sol Tucker for TalkNats
The Washington Nationals have entered the final 70-games of the 2021 regular season. With 43-wins in the first 92 games, the team must go 47-23 in the final 70-games to reach 90 wins. But it might not take 90 to win the NL East. Clearly the thing to do is get on one of those 10-game winning streaks to get above .500 then the task at-hand does not look so daunting. Let’s face it, the Nats are now into one of the easiest schedules for the rest of the season in the league, and the Nats are set to play numerous last place teams.
Just like the Nats did in June when they went 19-9 in June. Stay at that pace for the rest of the season and that would equate to 48 wins and a 91 win season. Yes, that is a tall task without Kyle Schwarber, Yan Gomes, Joe Ross, and Stephen Strasburg.
But just like last night, an X-factor player stepped up in the form of Alcides Escobar, and other players have to step up too.
The Nats have the struggling Jon Lester on the mound tonight, and he will face off against a familiar lefty, Ross Detwiler, who will be an opener tonight for the Marlins. The last time Det started a game in Nationals Park was back on July 3rd, 2013 which was over 8 years ago. Det has been a pitcher with 9 lives for sure.
Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN, Bally Sports Florida, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® ( Streaming Internet 869)
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
1. Alcides Escobar 2B
2. Trea Turner SS
3. Juan Soto RF
4. Josh Bell 1B
5. Josh Harrison 3B
6. Andrew Stevenson CF
7. Gerardo Parra LF
8. Tres Barrera C
9. Jon Lester LHP
