Max Scherzer (14-7, 2.92 ERA), seeking his 200th strikeout of the season, takes the mound for the Washington Nationals (76-55) as they meet Jerad Eickhoff (9-12, 3.87 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (60-71) in the second of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The Nationals won the last game 4-0, and Washington leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 30 and will air on CSPh and MAS2.
In his most recent outing, Eickhoff pitched 6.0 innings, allowing two runs and striking out two in a 5-3 victory over the White Sox. Odubel Herrera (.283, 67 Rs, 13 HRs, 42 RBIs, 19 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4. The Nationals were also victorious the last time Scherzer pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 8.0 innings, allowing zero runs and striking out 10 in a 4-0 victory over the Orioles. Daniel Murphy (.345, 80 Rs, 25 HRs, 98 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Nationals, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Philadelphia is a considerable +229 underdog in this game, and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Phillies are 42-58 as the underdog and have an overall money line of +493. They have a SU record of 23-28 against teams in their division and a 14-20 record when they were the underdog in those games. Philadelphia has averaged 3.0 runs per game during divisional play, lower than its season average of 3.7. Philadelphia’s pitchers are doing better against opposing batters during divisional games, only allowing an average of 4.3 runs per game, well under their season average of 4.8.
Switching to the opposing dugout, the Nationals come into this game in an interesting position. They have a negative money line (-325) but have won more than 60 percent of games played as the favorite (66-38). Against divisional opponents, they are 36-16 SU and have played well as the favorite with a 31-12 record. They sport the fourth-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 4.8 runs per game. The Nationals are one of the top pitching staffs in the NL, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 3.8 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.186, second best in the MLB. The Washington pitching staff has been an intimidating group on the road this year, averaging 8.7 strikeouts per game.
The Nationals had the upper hand against the Phillies in their previous 13 games this season, earning a 9-4 record. The Phillies will take on a right-hander (Scherzer) in this game and have a 46-56 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Eickhoff will take the mound against the Nationals, who have a 59-42 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS, O/U – Over
Notes
After last game’s shutout win against Philadelphia, the Nationals now have 10 shutouts this season. The Phillies have been shut out in seven games this season.
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 are outhit, the Phillies are 14-57. The Nationals have a 13-32 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 23rd in home runs, Philadelphia has hit 132 this season. Washington ranks fifth with 175 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Philadelphia is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.08 per game. Washington ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 8.75.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.686). Washington ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .765.
The Nationals are 42-44 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Phillies are 27-57 when they allow at least one homer.
