Roark on mound for series finale vs. Braves (plus lineups)

By Dan Kolko

Nationals

June 22, 2014, 7:02am

Comments

The Nationals are fielding the majority of their regular lineup with a chance to split their four-game series with the Braves this afternoon. The only change from yesterday is Sandy Leon starting behind the plate a day game after a night game. Right-hander Tanner Roark is on the mound looking to continue an extended run of strong pitching. The 27-year-old hasn't surrendered more than three runs since May 3 for a streak of eight straight starts with three earned runs or fewer. During that stretch, Roark is 4-3 with a 1.92 ERA, holding opponents to a .214 average and .569 OPS. Pretty good. Atlanta answers with right-hander Ervin Santana, who is 5-4 with a 4.12 ERA. He has pitched to a 3.67 ERA in four career starts against the Nationals. He has struggled of late, however. Since going 4-0 with a 1.99 ERA over his first six starts this year, Santana is 1-4 with a 6.17 ERA over his last seven starts. For the Nationals CF Denard Span 3B Anthony Rendon RF Jayson Werth 1B Adam LaRoche LF Ryan Zimmerman SS Ian Desmond 2B Danny Espinosa C Sandy Leon RHP Tanner Roark For the Braves 2B Tommy La Stella CF B.J. Upton 1B Freddie Freeman C Evan Gattis RF Jason Heyward LF Justin Upton 3B Chris Johnson SS Andrelton Simmons RHP Ervin Santana