Game #162 Preview: Washington Nationals VS. Arizona Diamondbacks

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks will take the field for one last time this season on Sunday afternoon, as the two struggling clubs’ seasons will be over following the game. The D-Backs send Wade Miley (10-10, 3.63) to the mound. While Arizona is eliminated from playoff contention, there are still goals which have yet to be reached, personal and team-wise.

The Snakes are currently 80-81 on the year, and finishing with a .500 record would certainly feel better than two games under .500. Paul Goldschmidt, who is contending for the National League MVP is tied for the league lead with Pedro Alvarez of the Pittsburgh Pirates at 36 home runs. It would certainly give his candidacy a boost if he had sole possession of the lead.

Miley has had his struggles this season, including losing four straight games twice (May 13 – May 31, August 23 – September 8) but is coming off a solid outing against the San Diego Padres, allowing just four hits through six innings without giving up a run, en route to his team’s 2-1 victory.

Gio Gonzalez (11-8, 3.36) will be on the hill for the Nationals. Gonzalez is 4 1/3 innings and eight strike outs away from reaching 200 innings and 200 strike outs on the season, respectively. It would be the third time in the 28-year-old’s career to reach 200 innings, and the second time to reach 200 strikeouts.