Jake Thompson (1-3, 9.78 ERA) and Tanner Roark (13-7, 2.99 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (60-70) and the Washington Nationals (75-55) at Citizens Bank Park. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 29 and can be seen on CSPh and MAS2.
Thompson pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering seven runs, striking out two and walking four in a 9-1 defeat to the White Sox. Roark went 5.0 innings, surrendering five runs (one unearned), striking out four and walking three in a 10-8 defeat to the Orioles in his last outing. Bryce Harper (.254, 71 Rs, 23 HRs, 74 RBIs, 18 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Philadelphia and Washington are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Within its division, Philadelphia has a record of 23-27 SU. The Phillies have seen a decline in scoring against teams inside their division, averaging 3.1 runs per game. They average 3.8 runs per game on the season. Philadelphia’s pitchers put it all together when division rivals are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game drops to 4.3 against fellow NL East members, compared to its 4.8 season average.
The Nationals are 35-16 against NL East foes. Offensively, they average 4.8 runs per game, which is good for fourth in the NL. Moving on to Washington’s pitching staff and defense, the Nationals allow just 3.8 runs per game, ranking them second in the NL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Nationals are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.191 for the season. The Nationals have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.7 strikeouts per road game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Nationals lead the season series, 8-4. The Phillies have a 46-55 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Roark takes the mound. Thompson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Nationals, who have a 58-42 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Washington is 32-24, while Philadelphia is 30-32.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Phillies have a 24-49 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Nationals are 56-14. The Phillies have a 40-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 489 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 631.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 328 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 447.
When the Phillies hit at least one home run, they are 50-38. When the Nationals hit at least one homer, they have a 59-31 record.
