Nationals prep for nemesis Tim Hudson in Game 2

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/nationals-prep-for-nemesis-tim-hudson-in-game-2/2014/10/04/bca31874-1c09-40cb-9ac8-e04528980dae_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage

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So what should Nationals batters expect today? The likely answer — “more of the same” — might feel a bit sobering as fans report to Nationals Park for a crucial Game 2 of the National League Division Series.

The Nats couldn’t solve Jake Peavy on Friday, as the Giants’ veteran impressed through 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and today’s task — a familiar fellow by the name of Tim Hudson — won’t likely be much easier.

“They’re similar type pitchers — Hudson and Peavy,” Washington outfielder Denard Span said following Friday’s 3-2 loss. Added first baseman Adam LaRoche: “They’re both kind of sinker-slider. When they’re on, they can paint those corners with the best of them. A guy like Peavy and Huddy, you just take what they give you.”

Hudson, 39, has two extra weapons on his side: experience and perhaps a psychological edge. For the last 10 seasons of his impressive 16-year career, Hudson has been a certified Nats killer. Because he pitched in the National League East from 2005 through last season, the former Brave has been a thorny foe for the Nats. His career numbers against Washington are better than those of Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and just about any pitcher who has regularly squared off against the Nats.

“For me, it is no secret what they are about,” Hudson said. “It is no secret to them what I am about.”

Saturday’s start marks his 32nd appearance against Washington. He has an 18-5 career mark in those outings, which is the most victories Hudson has posted against any major-league team. His 145 strikeouts vs. the Nats are by far the most he has against anyone, and his 2.35 ERA against Washington is his third-best mark against any team.

“Familiarity can never be a bad thing for a pitcher,” Hudson said Friday. “I feel the more history you have against a team — the more history you have against hitters you know — the better off you can be. It can also go both ways. They obviously feel pretty familiar with me, what I am going to bring to them.”

The numbers suggest, though, that familiarity has benefited Hudson more. He has particularly fared well against Span (two hits in 20 at-bats), Danny Espinosa (10 strikeouts in 27 at-bats) and Wilson Ramos (four hits in 18 at-bats). Anthony Rendon is hitless in five at-bats against Hudson, while Bryce Harper (.250/.333/.250) and LaRoche (.242/.316/.242) have never been able to homer off the Giants’ righty.

Of the Nats’ regulars, Jayson Werth has found the most success against Hudson with a .386 batting average, four homers and 12 RBIs.

Even in a season that has seen some struggles for Hudson, the Nats have provided the one constant. The Giants beat Washington twice this season – both Hudson starts: a 7-1 victory on June 12 and a 10-3 win on Aug. 22.

That Aug. 22 game marks Hudson’s last win of the season, though. He was 0-for-September, losing his final four starts and finishing the season with a 9-13 record. Giants Manager Bruce Bochy said Hudson has been bothered recently by a sore hip but feels his veteran hurler is no longer feeling any ill effects. Bochy certainly knows that Hudson has had the Nats’ number over the years and wasn’t about to sit him for this best-of-five series.

“You have to like his experience,” Bochy said. “Huddy, he is such a pro in how he goes about his business, how he prepares.”

Hudson has been one of baseball’s most consistent pitchers, and you can bet no one in the Washington clubhouse is going to focus too much on his September struggles. He’s 4-0 since 2012 against the Nats and has allowed just six runs in his past five outings. (In 2012, the Nats won all three of the games in which Hudson started. Ryan Zimmerman particularly fared well, batting 7-for-13 with 4 runs and 7 RBI in those games. In his career, though, Zimmerman is hitting .266 against Hudson with .299 on-base percentage and .375 slugging.)

The postseason is a different animal, and Hudson has seen mixed results. This marks his seventh time in the playoffs. He has just a 1-3 record in 10 games (nine of which were starts). His never pitched with a team that advanced. If he can somehow match Peavy’s performance and take his team back to San Francisco with a two-game lead in the best-of-five series, there’s a good chance that changes.