Diamondbacks take on Nationals in D.C.

Thursday, August 6, 1:05pm

Jeremy Hellickson vs. Joe Ross

Jul 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) throws a pitch in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Hellickson is coming off an awful start against Houston. In only 3 1/3 innings, Hellickson gave up seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and the D-Backs ended up losing that game by a score of 9-2. Hellickson seems to have a stretch of good performances and then pitch a complete disaster of a game like this one. One thing to take away from Hellickson’s last start is that he is a fly ball pitcher and was pitching in a definite pitcher’s park in Houston. Hellickson gave up three home runs against the Astros and the environment could have had something to do with it.

Jul 26, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Joe Ross (41) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Ross, the brother of Padres starter Tyson Ross, has been on the receiving end of some bad luck in his last three starts. He pitched at least six innings and given up no more than three earned runs in each of those three starts. But Ross has received no run support over that span. The Nationals have lost their last three games in which Ross has started. Ross is currently filling in for the injured Stephen Strasburg and has pitched really well. He has a record of 2-3 with an ERA of 3.00.