Game 98: Nationals at Pirates

Probables: Joe Ross (2-2, 2.70) vs. Gerrit Cole (13-4, 2.31)
Game preview:
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/201507...game_pk=415128
"Cole faces Nats, out to extend MLB-best win total to 14
By John McGonigal / MLB.com | + 12 COMMENTS
Fellow first-round selections in the 2011 Draft, Pirates ace Gerrit Cole and Nationals right-hander Joe Ross, will show why they were drafted so high when their teams square off Sunday afternoon in the series finale at PNC Park.
Cole, drafted No. 1 overall by the Pirates that year, will try to extend his Major League lead in wins to 14 and secure a series victory. The 24-year-old righty (13-4, 2.31 ERA) took the loss in his first start back from the All-Star break, allowing just five hits and two runs to the Royals in 7 1/3 innings.
Ross, who was selected by the Padres at No. 25 overall, has been effective since making his Major League debut June 6. In four career starts, the 22-year-old has a 2-2 record, 2.70 ERA and 0.94 WHIP.
That includes a start against Pittsburgh in which Ross limited the Pirates to one run and struck out 11. A Washington win would give the club a series split.
Three things to know about this game
• While Ross gave up only six hits in that June 19 outing against the Pirates, a couple came off the bat of Gregory Polanco. The left-handed outfielder was 2-for-3 with a double and RBI against Ross.
• Sunday will conclude the Nationals' sixth four-game series of the season (first of the second half), and they're hoping history is on their side. In the final game of four-game series, Washington is 4-1, outscoring opponents, 22-12.
• A double in the fifth inning Saturday extended Bryce Harper's on-base streak to 22 straight games. On Sunday, he can tie Denard Span (23) for the longest on-base streak by a Nationals hitter this season.
John McGonigal is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs."