The Nationals move to Miami as Tanner Roark faces Justin Nicolino. Roark found a way to strike out batters this season, up to 8.39 per nine innings compared to his career rate of 6.41 per 9. It looks like he is using his change-up more, and using it to miss bats. Nicolino is at the opposite end of the spectrum, with just four strikeouts in 24 innings. He’s the kind of pitcher who needs a great defense behind him, since so many balls are put in play. So far, the Marlins fielder are doing their job as he allowed just 21 hits.

Dillon Gee leads the Royals against the White Sox and Jose Quintana. Gee makes his second start of the season after coming out of the bullpen. He allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings the first time out. Quintana would be the top Cy Young candidate in the league if it wasn’t for his teammate, Chris Sale. Quintana has done a good job through his career of keeping the ball in the park, but this season he took it to the next level. He allowed just one home run in 52 2/3 innings.

Finally, a battle of Jakes and a battle of first-place teams as Jake Arrieta and the Cubs face Jake Peavy and the Giants. Arrieta now owns 21 consecutive starts without a loss, gathering 18 wins in that time. He posted a 0.84 ERA in that span in 150 1/3 innings. Devon Young pointed out that over his last 203 innings, Arrieta has a 0.98 ERA. Bob Gibson posted a 0.90 ERA over 229 innings in 1967-1968. We’ll see how close Arrieta can come to that. Peavy turns hitters into MVPs this year with a .324/.380/.606 slash line so far. It’s better at home, but still a poor .319/.367/.484.

Enjoy!