WASHINGTON -- The Nationals were coming into Wednesday night's game looking to sweep a three-game series with the National League East rival Mets. But the finale was postponed due to inclement weather after rain descended upon the area around Nationals Park for nearly two consecutive hours after the scheduled first pitch time of 7:05 p.m. ET.
The delay lasted one hour and 55 minutes before the game was called. It's set to be rescheduled at a later date, although the two teams had not settled on which one. Tickets from Wednesday's game will be honored for the makeup.
For additional information, fans can visit Nationals.com/rain.
Perhaps the rainout can work to the advantage of the Nationals.
They were going to send right-hander Tanner Roark to the mound on Wednesday, trying to get him back on track after a rough June in which he posted an 8.31 ERA in six starts. His ERA this season is 5.27, well above the 2.83 he posted last season.
"Just, he can't find his control, release point," manager Dusty Baker said. "He's a command-type guy. ... It's been five, six starts now. He'll find it."
And the Nationals are skipping Roark's spot in the rotation, at least for now. They will remain on rotation for the next three games as they welcome the Braves into Nationals Park for a four-game series, beginning Thursday. However, the starter for Sunday's game, which was initially Joe Ross' turn in the rotation, is listed as TBA.
If the Nats feel Roark has benefited from a few extra days of rest, they could insert him back into the rotation then. Or perhaps the team will determine Roark can benefit from some time off and have him not pitch again until after the All-Star break.
Regardless, they are searching for ways to get Roark back on track, and Wednesday's rainout buys them some extra time to make adjustments.