Dodgers @ Nationals May 19, 2018: Hill vs. Scherzer for Game 2

The Dodgers, somehow, won the first game of this doubleheader against the Nationals. The player of the game was definitely Ross Stripling, who allowed just one run in six innings. He also struck out nine Nationals’ batters.

Thankfully, the Dodgers weren’t going up against Max Scherzer. But they are now. The right-hander is probably going to win his third consecutive NL Cy Young award because, well, he’s great. He faces a lineup that literally has Max Muncy hitting second for reasons. Yasmani Grandal, who caught the first game, is starting at first base in Game 2, while Cody Bellinger remains in center field.

The Nationals are rolling out a slightly different lineup, plugging in Wilmer Difo into the No. 2 spot and dropping hopeful future Dodger Bryce Harper into the No. 3 spot. Old nemesis Mark Reynolds is starting at first base, so I’m sure he’ll tag Rich Hill for a couple homers. Speaking of Scherzer, Nats’ manager Dave Martinez is batting him eighth in the nightcap. Just thought I should mention that.

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Prior to the game, switch-pitcher and novelty Pat Venditte was sent back to Oklahoma City. Taking his spot on the 25-man roster is Erik Goeddel, who has some big-league experience with the Mets and Mariners. He averages 92.5 MPH on his fastball for his career, has a curveball that he throws sparingly. His most frequent offspeed pitch is a mid-80s splitter. Just don’t hang one, OK?

Not much other news between games. Dennis Santana makes his OKC Dodgers debut at the same time as this game starts. You know, If the Dodgers look helpless against Scherzer, at least you can flip over to that game and watch Santana (hopefully) throw well.