A.J. Cole (1-1, 3.86 ERA) and Alec Asher (0-0, 0.00 ERA) start in the first of a four-game series between the Washington Nationals (82-57) and the Philadelphia Phillies (62-77) at Nationals Park. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sep. 8 and can be seen on CSPh and MASN.
Cole pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out five and walking two in a 4-1 win over the Mets. Daniel Murphy (.345, 83 Rs, 25 HRs, 100 RBIs, 5 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 6 with two RBIs. This is the first time Asher will take the hill this season. He pitched 29.0 innings last season, finishing 0-6 with a 9.31 ERA his most recent start
Notes
Philadelphia has won 47% (31-35) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 59% (35-24) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Phillies didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Nationals have a 10-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Nationals are 62-15. The Phillies have a 42-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Philadelphia has earned 510 this season. Washington ranks eighth with 666 runs.
Ranking 30th, Philadelphia is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.679). Washington ranks in the top 10 with an OPS of .761.
When the Phillies allow at least one home run, they are 28-61. When the Nationals allow one or more homers, they have a 47-45 record.
