Diamondbacks vs Nationals game 1 preview

The Diamondbacks have won 6 of their last 10, and head to the east coast to take on the struggling Washington Nationals. 

Remember that 2019 Cinderella Nationals team that won the World Series against the cheating Astros?  Yeah well, almost none of those players from that roster are currently on the team.

Juan Soto?  Gone.  Anthony Rendon?  Gone.  Trea Turner?  Gone.  Max Scherzer?  Gone.

Washington is a shell of what it once was and they currently sit in the basement of the NL East with a 25-34 record.  Who is their best player now you may ask?  3B Jeimer Candelario.

On the road this season, Arizona is 15-11 and at home, the Nats are 12-19.  This should be a series that every Diamondback player is excited to start!

The first pitch will be at 4:05 PM MST!  This showdown will be aired on Bally Sports Arizona and MASN 2.  If you can’t watch the game, you can listen to it on ESPN Phenoix 620.

Diamondbacks vs Nationals game 1 pitching matchup

For the Diamondbacks, lefty Tommy Henry will get the ball to start the game.  In 8 games (7 starts) Henry is 3-1 with a 3.73 ERA.

The lefty has been impressive for this struggling pitching staff.  In Henry’s last 3 games, he is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA, and in his last start, he twirled a gem, going 7 scoreless innings against Colorado.

Despite the Nationals poor record, Henry will face a tall task tonight.  The Nationals are 4th in the MLB in OBP against left-handed pitching.  So the youngster will have to proceed with caution.

For the Nationals, righty Jake Irvin will throw the first pitch.  On the season, Irvin is 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA.

Irvin hasn’t found much success through his first 6 starts; and in his last 3 starts, he has gotten rocked.  In his last 3 times out, he has pitched 11.2 innings and has given up 10 earned runs (8.04 ERA).

Look for Arizona to jump all over Irvin as the D-backs rank 5th in the MLB in OPS against right-handed pitching.  This is setting up to be a high-scoring affair in the nation's capital tonight.

Diamondbacks vs Nationals game 1: Players to watch 👀

For the D-backs, slugger 1B Christian Walker has been tearing it up as of late.  In his last 4 games, Walker is 6-15 (.400) with a homer and 2 RBIs.

Walker leads the team in HRs, and RBIs on the road this season.  Against a struggling pitcher like Irvin, don’t be surprised if Christian is able to put one in the seats.  

For the Nationals, DH Joey Meneses has been on fire.  In his last 7 games, he is getting on base at a .433 clip.

Joey has struggled at home however this season.  In 31 games in front of his home faithful, he has posted an OPS under .700.  With how he’s been at the plate recently, look for that to change tonight.

Diamondbacks lineup

1. Smith RF
2. Marte 2B
3. Carroll LF
4. Walker 1B 🔥
5. Rivera DH
6. Rojas 3B
7. Moreno C
8. McCarthy CF
9. Perdomo SS

Nationals lineup

1. Thomas RF
2. Garcia 2B
3. Meneses DH🔥
4. Candelario 3B
5. Garret LF
6. Ruiz C
7. Smith 1B
8. Call CF
9. Abrams SS