Two teams that disappointed so far open the post-break season as the Dodgers meet the Nationals in Washington. Recent acquistion Ricky Nolasco faces Stephen Strasburg. Both are coming off poor performances. Nolasco allowed eight hits and three walks in five inningsagainst the Rockies in Los Angeles on the 14th, while Strasburg allowed five hits and four walks in two innings in Miami. Both pitched well overall, Stephen with excellent strikeout numbers while Nolasco keeps his walks low.

The Pirates travel to Cincinnati to start their final push toward a winning record and a playoff spot. They hold a four game lead over the Reds for second place in the NL Central as Francisco Liriano takes on Mike Leake. Liriano’s 2.00 ERA is greatly helped by allowing just three home runs in 76 2/3 innings. Leake is hurt a bit by his home park, allowing eight of his 11 home runs in Cincinnati despite pitching fewer innings than on the road.

The Orioles head down to Texas to face the team in front of them in the wild card race with Wei-Yin Chen battling Derek Holland. Chen returned from injury against Texas on July 10th, and held the Rangers to three hits and one run in seven innings of work. He allows a high number of balls in play, so the Orioles defense needs to be on their toes behind him. Holland owns a 2.75 ERA in July despite walking ten batters in 19 2/3 innings. Batters are just 3 for 25 against him with runners in scoring position this month.

Finally, the Giants sit 6 1/2 games out of first place as they host the division leading Diamondbacks. Ian Kennedy faces Chad Gaudin. Ian allowed 12 of his 16 homers on the road this season. Gaudin pitched well in both his roles this season, posting a 2.05 ERA as a reliever and a 2.70 ERA as a starter.

Enjoy!