In Friday night MLB action, the Cleveland Indians and Washington Nationals will open up a three-game series from the nation’s capital. Last night, Cleveland batters struck out ten times and managed just four hits during an 8-0 loss at Chicago. Francisco Lindor went hitless in four at-bats for the Indians, who fell two games back in the race for the final NL Wild Card spot.
Rookie right-hander Zach Plesac (8-6 3.82 ERA) will make his 21st start for the Indians. Through 110 plus innings, Plesac has surrendered 19 home runs and sports a solid 1.22 WHIP.
The Washington Nationals are riding a five-game winning streak and have clinched one of the two NL Wild Card spots. Washington has won 90 games overall and leads Milwaukee by one full game to host the wild card game. On Thursday, SP Stephen Strasburg fanned former teammate Bryce Harper three times during a 6-3 home victory versus the Phillies.
Washington manager Dave Martinez will give the nod to right-hander Austin Voth (1-1 3.35 ERA) on Friday. Through 50 career major league innings, Voth has struck out 50 batters and owns a 1.24 WHIP.
