Friday, 6:05 p.m. • FSN Plus, 96.3-FM
RHP Kyle Gibson (0-2, 3.57) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez (0-0, 0.69)
Saturday, 12:05 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM
RHP Phil Hughes (1-2, 4.42) vs. RHP Tanner Roark (1-2, 3.71)
Sunday, 12:35 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM
RHP Ervin Santana (0-1, 3.15) vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg (3-0, 1.25)
TWINS UPDATE
They are 5-4 all-time against the Nationals, and 1-2 in Washington, having visited only in 2013. They lost one game and tied another in a two-game exhibition series in Nationals Park earlier this month. … Before moving to Minnesota in 1961, they were the Washington Senators, playing at Griffith Stadium, about four miles from Nationals Park. … C Kurt Suzuki and LHP Tommy Milone each played for the Nationals earlier in their careers. … They are 82-92 (through Wednesday) all-time in National League parks. When they played the NL East in 2013, they went 4-12. … Joe Mauer is only 1-for-8 in his career against Washington closer Jonathan Papelbon, but the hit was a home run. … No Twins position players have ever faced Strasburg.
NATIONALS UPDATE
At 11-3 entering Thursday, they own the best record in the major leagues, and have allowed the fewest runs. … Through Wednesday, RF Bryce Harper, the reigning NL MVP, is 8-for-14 — and all eight hits are for extra bases — with runners on base, a .571 average that has produced 18 runs. Harper leads the majors in RBI (21) and slugging percentage (.837) and is second in home runs (seven). … 2B Daniel Murphy had hit in 12 straight games through Wednesday. His .429 average leads the major leagues. … LF Jayson Werth (.186) and SS Danny Espinosa (.171) are off to slow starts. Former Twins C Wilson Ramos is at .231 with one home run and one RBI. … Their starting rotation leads the majors with a 1.94 team ERA.
PHIL MILLER
