Game 54: Washington Nationals (27-26) @ Baltimore Orioles (29-24), 7:05pm

Last night the Nationals and Orioles sent two of their better pitchers to the mound and their combined offenses came away with eight home runs. Tonight's matchup features Dan Haren, who used to be good but who is no longer any good and Freddy Garcia, which, ditto. I don't know how many home runs we might expect tonight, but between those pitchers and the 90 degree weather, I'm going to say that it could realistically be 47.

It's hard for me to get used to the fact that Dan Haren isn't good, but it's right there. Over his last five starts, all in May, Haren has alternated between decent and crappy. If the pattern holds we're in luck because he's on schedule for garbage.

Freddy Garcia has an ERA of 4.61 and I'm not even that bummed. I'd expect it to be worse, honestly. And in each of his last two starts he's only given up two earned runs, although he hasn't lasted too far into the game. That's a shame considering the Orioles had to use a lot of their bullpen last night, but maybe he'll find some magic tonight and give the O's seven innings. Garcia pitched 7 innings as recently as last July!

If the Orioles win today they'll get their first sweep of the season (I'm counting it!) and will notch their 30th win of the year. If the Nationals lose today they'll fall to .500, the idea of which gives me more satisfaction than I would expect.

Lineups:

Let's go O's!