Game 28 Preview: Houston Astros (9-18) vs. Washington Nationals (15-12)

Washington Nationals at Houston Astros, Apr 29, 2014 7:10 PM CDT

TV: CSN Houston, MLB.TV
Radio: KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM
Nationals SBNation Blog: Federal Baseball

Pitching matchup

LHP Brett Oberholtzer (0-4, 4.61 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) vs. Jordan Zimmermann (1-1, 4.05 ERA, 1.35 WHIP)

Series Preview Quote

Before his last start, Oberholtzer had strung together some solid outings, lasting into the fifth inning each of his first four starts without giving up more than three runs. He fell apart in said last start, giving up six runs on eight hits through 3.2 innings against Oakland. Nate McLouth is the only Nationals hitter to face Oberholtzer before tonight's game, he is 0-for-3.

Jordan Zimmermann has been another quality arm in a rotation full to the brim with excellent pitching. He has pitched three straight quality starts - pitching through the seventh inning in two of his last three starts. He is posting 28 strikeouts to seven walks in his first 26.2 innings.

Marwin Gonzalez (1.000 OPS) and Jesus Guzman (1.667 OPS) have been able to hit the Nats' right-hander. Jose Altuve and Jason Castro are a collective 0-for-5 against Zimmermann.

The Astros hope to avoid the two-game sweep during this short series with the Nationals. Jason Castro and Dexter Fowler are starting to hit their stride. Castro had a six game hitting streak with six RBIs during that time period. Fowler has a nine-game hitting streak, and his 10-for-32 during that stretch.

The Astros hope to win Brett Oberholtzer his first game in eight tries. What do you expect from the game TCBers? Who would you call on from the pen in tonight's game when the time comes?