We've played against Joe Boyle in each of his first two starts, and we'll gladly go back to the well again. A quick glance at the box score of his last start against the Tigers would make you think he pitched a gem: No runs allowed on two hits with six strikeouts. That was not the case. He allowed the lead-off man to reach in three of his five innings, but managed to get out of trouble each time. In 7.2 innings this season, Boyle has walked seven batters and issued a hit-by-pitch. The hard-throwing righty has strikeout capability, but the Nationals' lineup is one of the best in baseball in avoiding strikeouts. Since the beginning of last season, Washington has the second-best strikeout rate against right-hand pitching. Oakland used five relievers in yesterday's extra-inning win. Austin Adams and Lucas Erceg have appeared in back-to-back games entering Saturday. The A's are in the midst of a stretch of nine-straight days with a game. Look for the patient Nationals' lineup to enjoy some success in Oakland on Saturday.