Aaron Nola (6-2, 3.56 ERA) and Jordan Zimmermann (12-8, 3.32 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (55-88) and the Washington Nationals (71-70) at Citizens Bank Park. The Nationals come into this series hoping to snap a five-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 14 and can be seen on CSPh and MAS2.
Nola pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs, striking out seven and walking one in a 5-0 win over the Braves. Zimmermann went 5.2 innings, surrendering one run, striking out six and walking one in an 8-7 defeat to the Mets in his last outing. Ryan Zimmerman (.249, 43 Rs, 16 HRs, 73 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Washington takes on Philadelphia as a -172 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at eight runs. The Phillies have recorded an overall money line of -993 and have shown a weak performance as an underdog this season with a record of 49-80. Philadelphia has recorded a disappointing 1-7 record as the underdog over its last 10 games. Philadelphia’s pitchers put it all together when division rivals are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game drops to 4.6 against fellow NL East members, compared to its 5.2 season average.
In games where it is the favorite, Washington has a 58-44 record and an overall money line of -1,689. They have been playing solid baseball as favorite with a 31-19 record against NL East rivals, and a 33-26 record SU. Offensively, they average 4.4 runs per game, which is good for third in the NL. The Nationals average 4.0 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 3.4 against division foes. When it comes to issuing walks, the Nationals have the fewest in the NL with only 2.2 walks allowed per game.
The Nationals lead the season series, 8-5. The Phillies have a 42-69 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Zimmermann takes the mound. Nola (RHP) will be on the hill against the Nationals, who have a 53-54 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
After last game’s shutout win against the Chicago, the Phillies now have six shutouts this season. The Nationals have been shut out in 10 games this season.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Phillies are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Nationals have a 9-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they are outhit, the Nationals are 11-58. The Phillies have an 18-67 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 28th in home runs, Philadelphia has hit 110 this season. Washington ranks 10th with 151 home runs.
Philadelphia and Washington both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Philadelphia sits at ninth with 8.57 hits per game and Washington ranks 10th with 8.48.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.686). Washington ranks in the top half at 12th with an OPS of .728.
The Nationals are 30-43 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Phillies are 26-67 when they allow at least one homer.
