When? Thursday, April 5 @ 7:05 PM
Where? RFK Memorial Stadium
Who? Edgar Gonzalez RHP (0-0, -.---) vs. Jason Bergmann RHP (0-0, -.--)
Diamondbacks: Gonzalez came into his own last season after shuttling between Triple-A and the Majors from 2003-2006. His strong showing in 11 games (five starts) with the D-backs last year made him the frontrunner for a spot in this year's rotation. Followed that up with a solid spring in which he won his first four starts. After his success last year, he decided not to cut his hair as long as he keeps pitching well believing that his locks bring him a bit of luck.
Nationals: Bergmann appeared to be a long shot to make the team because of his terrible season in 2006, but he rededicated himself during the offseason and Spring Training and became a productive pitcher. However, the Diamondbacks have touched him up for six runs in 10 innings.
Game 2
When? Friday, April 6 @ 7:05 PM
Where? RFK Memorial Stadium
Who? Enrique Gonzalez RHP (0-0,-.--) vs. Jerome Williams RHP (0-0,-.--)
Diamondbacks: Gonzalez began last year at Triple-A Tucson, and after compiling a 2.24 ERA in his first 10 starts and was promoted to the Majors. He started fast with the D-backs, going 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in his first four outings but eventually tired as the season wore on and was 1-7 with a 6.72 ERA after the hot start. Gonzalez did not pitch winter ball this past offseason in hopes that it would help him stay strong over the entire season.
Nationals: Positive thinking and fixing his mechanics helped Williams shine in his last three starts in Spring Training. Williams is looking to have his best season since 2003, when he was a rookie with the Giants. Williams will face the Diamondbacks for the ninth time in his career. He is 4-3 with a 3.24 ERA against them.
Game 3
When? Saturday, April 7 @ 7:05 PM
Where? RFK Memorial Stadium
Who? Brandon Webb RHP (0-0, 9.00) vs. John Patterson RHP (0-1, 14.73)
Diamondbacks: Webb didn't have his best command against the Rockies on Opening Day. The right-hander was rushing a bit, which threw off his mechanics and he wound up walking three and allowing five runs on eight hits over five innings. The early season has been kind to Webb in his short career, as he has compiled a 10-1 record during the month of April, including a 4-0 mark last season en route to the NL Cy Young Award.
Nationals: Patterson will face his former team, the Diamondbacks, for the third time in his career. He has given up two runs in 13 2/3 innings against them. Patterson hopes to rebound from his last outing in which he went 3 2/3 innings and gave up six runs on seven hits against the Marlins on Monday.
Game 4
When? Sunday, April 8 @ 1:05 PM
Where? RFK Memorial Stadium
Who? Livan Hernandez RHP (0-0, 2.57) vs. Shawn Hill RHP (0-1, 3.60)
D-backs: Hernandez gets the starting nod in the series finale against his former team in Washington. The right-hander struggled early in his initial start on Tuesday, allowing six baserunners and two runs in the game's first two frames. After that, though, he was magnificent, changing speeds and using both his curve and changeup to frustrate Colorado hitters. In his final five innings of the game, he allowed just one hit. Hernandez was 1-1 with a 3.45 ERA in two starts vs. the Nats last season.
Nationals: Hill will face the D-backs for the first time in his career. In his previous outing on Tuesday night against the Marlins, Hill was the victim of poor defense. The Nationals made two errors and should have been charged with more. Although Hill gave up four earned runs in five innings, Acta thought the right-hander did a good job on the mound. Hill held the Marlins scoreless over his last three innings of work.
