The Washington Nationals have lost 3 in a row after being on a tear, going 13-15, but should get back on track tonight when the San Diego Padres come to town. The Friars are reaching into the barrel when they send Robbie Erlin to the rubber. Erlin will get the nod because Joey Lucchesi is nursing a sore hip. Erlin is 1-2, with a 3.46 ERA, and was lit up in his last start against the Dodgers, yielding 6 runs in just 3 innings of work. The Nationals will send the southpaw, Gio González, to the hill. González has been on his mark, with a record of 4-2, a 2.36 ERA, and a 1.41 WHIP. In his last 3 turns, he has been even better, with an ERA of only 1.69 and a 1.38 WHIP. Anthony Rendon has feasted on Erlin, going 4-6, and the Nationals collectively are 10-16, with 2 homers and 11 RBIs against the young left-hander.
TONIGHT’S PICK: WASHINGTON NATIONALS