In what could be considered the battle between a couple of rivals, that have not had the rivalry bloom yet, the Nationals and the Orioles are going to be playing each other. The Nationals have had been playing well enough to go 8 games over the five hundred mark, but still are a half game back from the Braves. The Orioles for their part have been able to find the basement of the AL East and are 20 games under the five hundred mark.
The Nationals are coming into this game with an impressive power show from Bryce Harper. Harper on the year has hit 16 into the stands, but most have been solo shots as he only has 38 RBIs. Harper needs to hit better, though, as his average is at a ,228 mark.
With the Orioles the team is relying on Manny Machado to do everything for them. Machado on the year has been able to hit a total of 15 homers while driving in 44 runs. He is hitting decent at a clip of .322.
Max Scherzer is the pitcher who will be taking the mound for the Nationals in this game. Scherzer is definitely showing why he is one of the best pitchers in the majors with 108 strikeouts in 71.2 innings. Scherzer has posted an 8-1 record with a 2.13 ERA.
The Orioles will be sending out David Hess. Hess has struck out only 10 batters in his 17.1 innings on the year with a 2-1 record and a 4.15 ERA.
