In the first of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (24-17) and the Philadelphia Phillies (24-17) at Nationals Park, Max Scherzer (4-3, 1.75 ERA) and Sean O’Sullivan (1-2, 3.68 ERA) get the ball. The Nationals go into this series looking to continue a five-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 22 and will air on NBC-10 and MASN.
In his last start, Scherzer pitched 7.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out 11 and walking two in a 4-1 victory over the Padres. Denard Span (.333, 19 Rs, 3 HRs, 13 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with one RBI. In his career against the Nationals, O’Sullivan is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA. He gets a strong Washington offense that’s batting .261. Freddy Galvis (.319, 18 Rs, 1 HR, 11 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run and one stolen base.
Washington is a considerable -260 favorite at home and the Over/Under (O/U) for this matchup is set at seven runs. The Nationals have a winning record of 21-12 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +241. They are 8-1 as the favorite over their last 10 games. Washington has averaged 6.9 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 5.0. The Nationals come into the game with the top-ranked scoring offense in the NL, averaging 5.0 runs per game. The Nationals rank fifth in the NL in hits with 8.8 per game. They have been very patient at the plate, ranking third in the NL with an average of 3.5 walks per game. Washington’s pitching staff performs very well on its own field, recording a low 2.85 team ERA at home. The Nationals don’t give up many hits to opposing batters at Nationals Park, ranking fifth in the NL with only 8.3 hits allowed per home game.
On the other side, the Phillies have a record of 16-22 when they are the underdog and are -237 overall with the money line. Against fellow NL East members, they are 9-16 SU and have played poorly as the underdog with an 8-15 record. During the last 10 games, they averaged 4.2 runs per game, above their 3.2 season average. The Phillies average just 7.0 strikeouts per road game, one of the lowest marks in the NL.
The Nationals have mostly come out on top against the Phillies in their previous seven games this season, earning a 4-3 record. The Nationals will take on a right-hander (O’Sullivan) in this game and have an 18-15 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Scherzer will take the mound against the Phillies, who have a 14-21 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – WSH, O/U – Over
Notes
For the ninth time this season, the Phillies registered at least two errors in a game.
The Nationals are 3-1 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Phillies are 1-1 in such matchups.
The Phillies managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are heading in with a 5-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 13-3. The Nationals have a 17-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Philadelphia has earned 136 this season. Washington ranks second with 205 runs.
Ranking 22nd, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 106 this season. Washington ranks in the top five at fifth with 142.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 18-7. When the Phillies hit at least one homer, they have an 8-11 record.
