In the second of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (78-75) and the Philadelphia Phillies (58-96) at Nationals Park, Stephen Strasburg (10-7, 3.81 ERA) and Aaron Nola (6-2, 3.84 ERA) get the start. The Phillies won the last game 8-2 and Philadelphia leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 4:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 26 and will air on CSPh and MAS2.
In his last start, Strasburg pitched 7.0 innings, giving up one, striking out 10 and walking one in a 13-3 victory over the Marlins. Ryan Zimmerman (.249, 43 Rs, 16 HRs, 73 RBIs, 1 SB) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run. The Phillies were unsuccessful the last time Nola pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out four and walking three in a 2-1 loss to the Braves. Cody Asche (.250, 39 Rs, 12 HRs, 35 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Washington is a considerable -263 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is seven runs. The Nationals are 65-48 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -1,601. They have impressive records of 38-20 as the favorite and 40-27 SU within their division. The Nationals have the most prolific offense in the entire NL, averaging 4.5 runs per game. Whenever an NL East opponent shows up on the calendar, the Nationals pitch better. They allow an average of 4.0 runs per game, but allow just 3.4 against teams from their own division. The Nationals don’t give up many walks to opposing batters, leading the NL with only 2.2 walks allowed per game.
On the other side, the Phillies have a subpar record of 51-88 when they are the underdog and are -1,470 overall with the money line. Over the past 10 matchups, they are 2-8 SU and have played poorly as the underdog with a 2-8 record. The Phillies will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In their 10 most recent games, Philadelphia’s run production has dropped to 2.8 runs per game, compared to 4.5 for the duration of the season. Playing against NL East foes really brings the best out of the Philadelphia pitchers. They allow 4.5 runs per game against teams within their division, which is lower than their season average of 5.1.
The Nationals have gotten the best of the Phillies in head-to-head matchups this season, going 11-6. This game will feature Nola (RHP) on the mound against the Nationals, who have a 59-58 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Strasburg will take the mound against the Phillies. Against righty starters this season, they have a terrible 44-75 record overall and 17-40 on the road.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Washington is 36-34, while Philadelphia is 29-43.
The Phillies are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Nationals have a 6-22 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 35-16. The Nationals have a 61-11 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 28th in runs, Philadelphia has earned 584 this season. Washington ranks seventh with 682 runs.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 360 this season. Washington ranks in the top five at fourth with 519.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 61-38. When the Phillies hit at least one homer, they have a 40-44 record.
