New York Yankees: Nationals Series Preview/Predictions

Game One

New York Yankees @ Washington Nationals

Gerrit Cole vs. Max Scherzer

Thursday, July 23rd, 7:00 pm

Game one is going to be the most difficult for the Yankees as they go up against Max Scherzer, one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball.

In 2019, Scherzer held an 11-7 record with a 2.92 ERA in 27 starts. Scherzer averaged a little over six innings per start in 2019, and in 2020 I would expect similar numbers out of the All-Star pitcher.

Against the Yankees, Scherzer will be challenged time and time again as the Yankees lineup is one of the strongest, if not THE strongest in the league. Although the Nationals have an amazing pitcher in Scherzer, the Yankees arguably have a better one in Gerrit Cole.

The Yankees made a huge splash with the addition of Gerrit Cole following the 2019 season, and they’ll get to see if his nine-year, $324 million deal was worth it, starting on Thursday night.

Cole was fantastic last season with a 20-5 record and a 2.50 ERA, plus in 33 starts he averaged nearly seven innings per game. In 2020, and especially on Thursday night, the Yankees are hoping Cole puts up similar numbers.

Prediction: Yankees win 3-1

I think the Yankees win game one in a battle that comes down to the end. I see both Scherzer and Cole going about seven innings, with the Yankees taking a 1-0 lead into the eighth when both teams’ bullpens come into play.

From there I see the Yankees getting a home run or two ultimately leading to a 3-1 Yankees win to kick off the 2020 season.