It was a tough loss on Wednesday night, but the Nationals enter Thursday with a chance to win their third consecutive series, something they haven’t done since June 19-28.
Rookie Joe Ross (4-5, 3.56) will get the start against his former organization. The Padres traded Ross to the Nationals as part of a three-team deal this past offseason that also netted Washington shortstop Trea Turner.
Ross was good his last time out with seven innings of one-run ball against the Brewers. That followed two uneven outings where he gave up nine earned runs allowed.
Right-hander Andrew Cashner (5-12, 4.