In a matchup against Aaron Harang (4-9, 3.41 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (40-33) in the first of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park, Max Scherzer (8-5, 1.76 ERA) takes the mound for the Washington Nationals (40-33) in his first start since tossing a perfect game. This is the first of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The Nationals go into this series looking to continue a six-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 26 and will air on MASN and CSN-PHI.
Harang has a 2.70 ERA and a 4-5 record in his career against the Nationals, but faces a strong Washington offense that’s hitting .260 on the year. Ryan Howard (.231, 25 Rs, 13 HRs, 36 RBIs) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with one run. In his pitching opportunities against the Phillies, Scherzer is 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA, 35 strikeouts and five walks. Bryce Harper (.340, 53 Rs, 24 HRs, 58 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Nationals, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
The Over/Under (O/U) for this game is set at seven runs and Philadelphia is a considerable +190 underdog. The Phillies have a losing record of 23-43 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -1,379. They have disappointing records of 9-20 as the underdog and 10-21 SU within their division. Philadelphia has averaged 4.7 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 3.3. Below average play has been the norm lately for the Philadelphia pitchers. The Phillies have given up an average of 7.8 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 5.0 runs per game.
Switching to the opposing bench, the Nationals come into this game with a win percentage of .585 when playing as the favorite (31-22) and an overall money line of -85. They have played at the top of their game when rated as favorite recently. They managed a 5-1 record when playing as the favorite and an SU record of 7-3. They sport the third-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 4.4 runs per game. Washington is one of the top road hitting teams in the NL with an average of 9.1 hits per contest. The Nationals average 3.1 walks per game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Washington pitchers. They’ve allowed 2.5 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 4.1. They also allow just 2.3 walks per game, good for tops in the NL.
The Nationals have mostly come out on top against the Phillies in their previous 10 games this season, earning a 6-4 record. The Phillies will take on a right-hander (Scherzer) in this game. They have struggled against right-handed starting pitchers this season, going 21-38. The right-handed Harang will take the mound against the Nationals, who have a 28-29 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – WSH, O/U – Over
Notes
Washington won its last game in a shutout, its eighth of the season. Philadelphia has been shut out eight times this season.
When the Nationals play into extra innings, they have a 5-1 record. The Phillies are 2-4 when their games exceed nine innings.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Phillies have a 4-18 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 16-7. The Nationals have a 30-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Philadelphia has earned 244 this season. Washington ranks eighth with 323 runs.
Ranking 27th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 167 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 224.
The Phillies are 16-18 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Nationals are 28-14 when they hit at least one homer.
