Jurrjens looks for 13th Win against Washington

July 17, 2011

Jair Jurrgens has established himself as on of the best pitcher’s in the National League this season. MLB handicappers didn’t anticipate this type of season from Jurrgens when the season started, but he’s shown that he is in the elite category of pitching in the Bigs. A ridiculous 1.87 earned run average leads the National League, and has taken Jurrgens out to a 12-3 start this year. Sunday’s start will not be easy as he takes on a Washington Nationals team that is extremely under-rated.

The Nationals are at .500 this season through Friday, but are in need of a major run in the second half in order to gain ground on the division leader and best team in baseball. The toughest thing to deal with for the Nationals is that they are a full 6.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves for the second spot in the Eastern Division. Unfortunately for Washington the N.L. East is the best division in all of baseball. The Phillies and Braves are not only fighting for the division, but they are two of the best teams in all of baseball.

Washington will send 6th year starter Tom Gorzelanny to the mound on Sunday. Gorzellany is an innings eater, but can occasionally put together a solid start. He will need to be at his best against a Phillies squad that has been able to win without the help of an offense that was expected to be far better than they have been by MLB experts.

The Washington bats have been rather quiet throughout the first half, but having their best hitter Ryan Zimmerman back in the line-up should make a big difference throughout the second half. The Nationals managed to pull out a solid 5-2 win o Saturday behind a dominating performance from John Lannan, but they will need to get some clutch hits on Sunday against Jurrjens. Tune in Sunday as the Nationals and Braves battle in what should be a typical N.L. pitcher’s duel as Jurrjens and Gorzelanny go head to head.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under MLB

Comments

Got something to say?