BUCS HEAD TO DC

PITTSBURGH AT WASHINGTON

WHEN: 7:05 PM ET, Friday, April 12, 2019
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia

Patrick Corbin makes his third attempt at recording his first win with his new team when the Washington Nationals host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. Corbin, who landed a six-year, $140 million contract as a free agent in the offseason, did not factor in the decision in either of his first two starts this year.

Washington has scored 37 runs in its last three victories and has won six of its last nine games. Anthony Rendon is off to a torrid start, batting .429 with four home runs, seven doubles and 14 RBIs. Pittsburgh was blanked twice as it dropped two of three to the Chicago Cubs to open its eight-game road trip. Adam Frazier registered two hits in Thursday's 2-0 loss to the Cubs and is batting .310 in 42 at-bats.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (1-0, 2.25 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Patrick Corbin (0-0, 3.75)

Williams came away with a no-decision in his last outing as he gave up four runs - three earned - and seven hits over six innings versus Cincinnati. The 27-year-old fared better against the Reds in his season debut, scattering three hits over six scoreless innings while picking up the win. Williams is 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) versus Washington.

Corbin allowed three runs - all on solo homers - and six hits in six innings against the New York Mets in his last start. The 29-year-old struck out nine and walked one in his second straight turn versus the Mets - he gave up two runs and seven hits over six frames in his club debut. Corbin is 1-2 with a 4.75 ERA in six career starts against the Pirates and he been touched for two homers by Melky Cabrera (2-for-7).

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates RHP Jameson Taillon, who was hit in the head by a liner on Monday, is slated to start Sunday against the Nationals.

2. Washington CF Victor Robles is 6-for-16 with one homer, four RBIs and six runs scored over his last four games.

3. Pittsburgh placed Kevin Newman (hand) on the 10-day injured list and recalled fellow INF Kevin Kramer from Triple-A Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Pirates 2