NATS GAME NIGHT, GAME 41: Pirates at Nats--Starting Lineups

Another rookie starter making his major league debut tonight for the Nationals. Craig Stammen gets the call from Syracuse. The 25-year old right hander is a "pitch-to-contact" guy, meaning he throws strikes, changes speeds, moves the ball around, but does not have a great "out" pitch, something that fools hitters.

Also, he does not strike people out (14 Ks in 40 IP), so he depends on his defense to help him be successful. He has credited his recent success to the development of a two-seam fastball (a sinker), to induce ground balls.

More chances for the infielders. Goody!

PITTSBURGH PIRATES (19-21, 5th in NL Central--6.5 games back; five-game win streak)

Morgan - LF
Sanchez - 2B
McLouth - CF
Adam LaRoche - 1B
Moss - RF
Andy LaRoche - 3B
Jaramillo - C
Wilson - SS
Snell - P

WASHINGTON NATIONALS (11-28-1, 5th in NL East--10.5 games back; seven-game loss streak)

Guzman - SS
Johnson - 1B
Zimmerman - 3B
Dunn - RF
Willingham - LF
Harris - CF
Bard - C
Hernandez – 2B
Stammen - P

STARTING PITCHERS

WAS: Craig Stammen (MLB debut; 4-2, 1.80 ERA, 14 Ks, 8 BBs in 40 IP at Syracuse)

PIT: Ian Snell (42.0 IP, 1-5, 4.93 ERA, 30 Ks, 25 BBs)

WEATHER

Absolutely freaking gorgeous. Sunny, then clear at night. First pitch: 75F, last out: 66F.