Joey Meneses will be looking to extend his 15-game on-base streak as the Washington Nationals (25-36) host the Arizona Diamondbacks (37-25) at Nationals Park on Thursday with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the three-game series.
The Diamondbacks lead the series 2-0 after winning 6-2 on Wednesday, their fourth head-to-head victory in five games this season. Starter Zach Davies got the win, giving up two runs on five hits over 6.2 innings and striking out eight.
Corbin Carroll was 4 for 5 with a home run, three runs, and two RBIs in the win. Ketel Marte went 3 for 4 with a double and two runs. Lane Thomas went 1 for 4 with a double and one run for the Nationals.
ON THE MOUND
Merrill Kelly (7-3, 2.80 ERA) is set for the start for Arizona. The right-hander is tied for the NL lead in wins. Kelly allowed two runs over seven innings in his last start, a 3-2 home win over the Braves on Friday. He earned the win, scattering five hits while striking out eight and walking three.
Kelly has made one previous start against the Nationals this season, a 3-1 home victory on May 5. He surrendered one run on four hits over seven innings, striking out 10 and walking one. RHP Josiah Gray (4-5, 3.09 ERA) gets the start for Washington.
He has made one prior start against the Diamondbacks this season, giving up three runs over five innings in a 3-1 road defeat on May 5. He gave up seven hits and walked two while striking out six in the loss.
In his last start on Friday, Gray took a no-decision at home against the Phillies. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up four runs on six hits, striking out four and walking two in the 8-7 win.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Arizona has averaged 5.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 5.0. Against righties like Gray this season, the D-backs have a .766 OPS, fifth highest in MLB. Carroll is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .969 OPS in 148 at-bats.
Washington is averaging only 4.0 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.3 for the season. The Nats have a .682 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .838 OPS over 154 at-bats, Jeimer Candelario has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Arizona is 17-11 away from home in 2023, scoring 5.4 runs per game while allowing 5.2 runs. Washington has lost four in a row in front of their home fans.
The Nats are 12-21 at home this season, averaging 3.7 runs per game while surrendering 5.4. Arizona is 6-4 in the last 10 games at Nationals Park between the teams with an average scoreline of 5.0-3.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Diamondbacks lead the NL West by two games over the Dodgers. The Nationals are fifth in the NL East, 12 games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Arizona Diamondbacks (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
