Jordan Zimmermann (1-1, 8.64 ERA) and Aaron Harang (1-1, 0.73 ERA) start in the third of a four-game series between the Washington Nationals (5-6) and the Philadelphia Phillies (3-8) at Nationals Park. The Phillies lost the last game 7-2, continuing a six-game losing streak. Action begins at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 18 and can be seen on CSN-PHI, MASN and MLB Networ.
Zimmermann is 6-6 with a 3.48 ERA in his appearances against the Phillies, and goes up against a below-average Philadelphia offense which is batting just .213 this season. Bryce Harper (.250, 9 Rs, 3 HRs, 6 RBIs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and three RBIs. Harang is 3-4 with a 2.51 ERA against the Nationals in his career. He takes on a below-average Washington offense that’s batting just .218. Jeff Francoeur (.241, 3 Rs, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Washington, a big -188 favorite, takes on Philadelphia. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at seven runs for this matchup. The Nationals have an overall money line of -335 and a record as the favorite of 3-4. Washington has had a discouraging season against division opponents, earning records of 3-4 and 3-4 as the favorite and SU respectively. The Nationals have seen a decline in scoring against teams inside their division, averaging 2.6 runs per game. They average 3.9 runs per game on the season. The Nationals are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 34. Crossing over to the pitching staff, opposing offenses that come to Nationals Park have been stifled by the Nationals, who have a team ERA of only 1.25 at home. The Nationals are the top team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 6.5 hits per contest to their opponents this season.
In the other locker room, Philadelphia is coming in with an overall money line of -332 and a disappointing record of 3-6 as the underdog. They have played poorly as the underdog with a 2-5 record against NL East opponents, and a 3-7 record SU. The Phillies average 4.2 runs allowed per game, but does better whenever another team from the NL East is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 3.7 against division foes.
The Nationals lead the season series, 3-2. The Nationals have a 2-5 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Harang takes the mound. Zimmermann (RHP) will be on the hill against the Phillies, who have a 2-6 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – WSH, O/U – Under
Notes
For the third time this season, the Nationals registered at least two errors in a game.
When the Nationals and the Phillies play into extra innings, both teams have a 1-1 record.
The Phillies are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded six strikeouts. The Nationals have a record of 2-0 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When outhit, the Nationals and the Phillies both have records of 0-6.
Ranking 24th in home runs, Philadelphia has hit six this season. Washington ranks third with 13 home runs.
Both Washington and Philadelphia are tied at 13th in hits, notching 7.10 per game.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.589). Washington ranks in the bottom half at 16th with an OPS of .678.
The Phillies are 2-6 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Nationals are 2-2 when they allow at least one homer.
