Runs may be hard to come by in this one as Aaron Nola (4-3, 2.86 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (26-25) go up against Joe Ross (4-4, 2.52 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (31-21) in the second of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The Nationals won the last game 4-3, and Washington leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 31 and will air on CSPh and MAS2.
In his most recent outing, Nola pitched 6.0 innings, allowing four runs (two unearned), striking out six and walking one in an 8-5 victory over the Tigers. Odubel Herrera (.319, 28 Rs, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The Nationals were also victorious the last time Ross pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out four and walking one in a 2-1 victory over the Cardinals. Daniel Murphy (.395, 28 Rs, 8 HRs, 33 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well offensively for the Nationals, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Phillies have a SU record of 19-13 against teams in their division. Over their past 10 games, Philadelphia’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Philadelphia’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average. The Phillies are fifth in the NL in hits allowed with just 8.0 per game.
Against divisional foes, the Nationals are 14-11 SU. Washington has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Nationals average 3.7 walks per road game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL when they travel. Washington’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking second in the NL with only 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.130 on the year, good for third in the league.
The Phillies have mostly come out on top against the Nationals in their previous seven games this season, earning a 4-3 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
The Nationals won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Phillies are 14-5. The Nationals are 8-6 in close games this season.
The Phillies are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Nationals have a record of 12-12 when they are struck out that many times or more.
It looks like the Nationals have a slight leg up on the Phillies, as the Nationals have won their last two games while the Phillies have lost their last four.
When they outhit their opponents, the Nationals are 24-6. The Phillies have a 16-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 163 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 12th with 221.
Ranking 27th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 124 this season. Washington ranks in the top five with 188.
The Phillies are 20-11 when they hit at least one home run. The Nationals perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 24-10 record.
