The Nationals have won 2 of 3 after a long stretch of futility. The Rangers are 5-5, taking a pair from the Phillies before losing to the Nat’s in the first game of their home series. Josiah Gray (6-4, 3.95) starts for the Nationals, and he has 4 straight premium appearances, with a miniscule ERA of 0.53 in that time. Gray has cut down dramatically on the long ball, allowing just 1 in June. He faces Matt Bush today. Bush, a reliever, will make a spot start in what will likely be a bullpen day for the Rangers.

Both teams are middle of the pack in offense lately. The Rangers generally have the edge in relief pitching, but Washington’s pen has been better of late. The Rangers pen has faltered when relied upon for a protracted number of innings, allowing 30 runs in the last 3 games when expected to cover 4 or more straight innings.

Washington is a small underdog today, but Gray has been more than effective lately. The Nationals are better on the road, and unfortunately for Texas, so are the Rangers. Look for the Nationals to take game 2 of the series, winning outright.