AP Sports Preview

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals continue their four-game series Saturday evening at Nationals Park, with first pitch scheduled under cloudy skies and 80-degree temperatures.

Arizona (54-49) enters the game after a 10-6 victory Thursday at St. Louis, where first baseman Tyler Locklear went 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs. Locklear, a player to watch for the Diamondbacks, has driven in five runs over his past four games while hitting .364 (5 for 13) in that span.

Washington (52-51) is coming off an 8-0 shutout Wednesday at Colorado, powered by right-hander Cade Cavalli, who allowed four hits and struck out eight over six innings. Cavalli, a key arm for the Nationals, has posted a 1.50 ERA over his past three starts, striking out 22 in 18 innings.

The series opened Friday with a 2-2 tie, the latest chapter in a season series split. In June, the teams alternated wins in a three-game set at Arizona, with the Nationals taking two of three.

The Diamondbacks have won seven of their past 10 games, including a 15-5 victory over the Athletics on Wednesday and an 8-7, 10-inning win over St. Louis on July 19. Arizona’s offense has averaged 7.1 runs over its past seven games.

Washington has won four of its past five, headlined by a 23-4 rout of the Athletics on July 17. The Nationals’ pitching staff has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of their past four games.

Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-5 Arizona victory. Washington has been installed as a -1.5 favorite on the run line, with the over/under set at 9 total runs.

Arizona’s next 10 games include a Sunday rematch with Washington, followed by a three-game set at Pittsburgh. Washington’s upcoming schedule features Sunday’s series finale against Arizona before a three-game home series against Toronto beginning Monday.