In the first of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (14-4) and the Philadelphia Phillies (9-10) at Nationals Park, Max Scherzer (2-1, 4.32 ERA) and Vince Velasquez (2-1, 0.93 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Apr. 26 and will air on CSPh and MASN.
In his last start, Scherzer pitched 5.0 innings, allowing five runs, striking out three and walking two in a 5-1 loss to the Marlins. Daniel Murphy (.397, 9 Rs, 2 HRs, 9 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong season Sunday, going 2 for 7. The Phillies were also unsuccessful the last time Velasquez pitched. He went 4.1 innings, allowing five runs (three unearned) and striking out four in an 11-1 loss to the Mets. Maikel Franco (.296, 6 Rs, 5 HRs, 13 RBIs) went 1 for 4 Sunday with one RBI.
Notes
Philadelphia recorded at least two errors for the second time this season. Washington has never registered more than one error in a game this season.
The Phillies are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 10 strikeouts. The Nationals have a record of 5-3 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 5-1. The Nationals have a 12-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th, Philadelphia sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 62 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 12th with 79.
Ranking 27th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.662). Washington ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .742.
The Phillies are 4-8 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Nationals are 7-3 when they allow at least one homer.
