The Arizona Diamondbacks aim to maintain momentum in Game 2.
After Friday's win, the Arizona Diamondbacks extended their winning streak to four games and are now winners of nine of their last 11 games.
The final score was 3-2, with the Diamondbacks scoring the winning run on a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning.
While it wasn't the flashiest win of the season for Arizona, they got the job done on the road against the Washington Nationals and look to carry their recent success into Saturday's 4:05 p.m. EST start.
Starting Pitchers for Dbacks and Nationals
Mitch Pratt is making the fourth start of his career when he takes the mound for Arizona.
The first three starts were not kind to Pratt, who entered the day with no decisions on his record, a 5.69 ERA, and only seven strikeouts.
His last outing was Monday, when he lasted only 4.2 innings, allowing eight hits, including two home runs. This may be the game when Pratt bounces back and makes his mark.
Foster Griffin gets the call for the Nationals, who have been nothing short of amazing this season.
Heading into his second start since the All-Star Game, Griffin enters the matchup with a 11-2 record, a 2.68 ERA, 111 strikeouts, and a 1.03 WHIP on the season, and is by far the team's best pitcher.
What's at Stake for Each Team?
The Nationals are currently .500 at 52-52, tied for third in the National League East with the Miami Marlins, and hope to make up ground in a Wild Card push, as they are 3.0 GB from the final spot.
Washington also has to worry about teams such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Marlins, all of whom are fighting for a possible final playoff spot.
A Washington win keeps the team in the thick of the race and allows them to secure a big series win that could have significant implications as the season wraps up.
The Diamondbacks are the team all the others are chasing, as they hold the final NL Wild Card spot with a 55-49 record.
Arizona got hot at the right time, dancing around .500 for most of the first half of the year, and now find themselves in control of their own destiny for a postseason appearance.
A win for the Dbacks secures the series, provides a bit more separation in the Wild Card race, and builds their momentum for a matchup with the Pirates starting Monday, another team looking to sneak into the playoffs.
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