Max Scherzer (0-1, 0.66 ERA) and Sean O’Sullivan (0-0, 3.00 ERA) start in the second of a four-game series between the Washington Nationals (4-6) and the Philadelphia Phillies (3-7) at Nationals Park. The Phillies lost the last game 5-2, continuing a five-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 17 and can be seen on CSN-PHI and MASN2.
Scherzer is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in his appearances against the Phillies, and goes up against a below-average Philadelphia offense which is batting just .215 this season. Michael Taylor (.282, 2 Rs, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. When pitching against the Nationals, O’Sullivan is 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and five strikeouts. Jeff Francoeur (.231, 3 Rs, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Washington, a substantial -251 favorite, takes on Philadelphia. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently seven runs. The Nationals have an overall money line of -435 and a record as the favorite of 2-4. Opposing offenses that come to Nationals Park have been stifled by the Nationals, who have a team ERA of only 1.33 at home. The Nationals are the second-best team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 7.0 hits per game to their opponents this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Philadelphia has a 3-5 record and an overall money line of -232. They have played poorly as the underdog with a 2-4 record against NL East rivals, and a 3-6 record SU. The Phillies average 4.1 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 3.5 against division foes.
The Nationals have a 2-5 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when O’Sullivan takes the mound. Scherzer (RHP) will be on the hill against the Phillies, who have a 2-5 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – WSH, O/U – Under
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Philadelphia is 2-2, while Washington is 2-5.
The Nationals managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Phillies who are coming in with a 1-3 record against opponents who give up that many walks 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 five.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 3-1. The Nationals have a 3-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 27th in runs, Philadelphia has earned 24 this season. Washington ranks 12th with 39 runs.
Ranking 12th, Philadelphia is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 28 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 31.
The Nationals are 4-4 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Phillies are 1-2 when they hit at least one homer.
