Philadelphia @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 15, 2010 ) Washington 7, Philadelphia 5

Roy Oswalt was willing to waive his no-trade clause for a chance to pitch for a World Series contender.

Less than a day after being dealt, he's already being given that opportunity.

Philadelphia's newest acquisition will take the mound as the Phillies look to extend their season-high eight-game winning streak against the Washington Nationals on Friday in the opener of a three-game series.

A three-time All-Star, Oswalt (6-12, 3.42 ERA) was acquired from the Houston Astros for hurler J.A. Happ and a pair of prospects on Thursday. The Phillies made the move for the stretch run as they seek their fourth straight NL East title and third consecutive appearance in the World Series.

The Phillies (56-46) have trimmed their deficit in the division to 2.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves, thanks to a three-game sweep of the lowly Arizona Diamondbacks. One week ago, the Phillies were seven games out of first place.

Philadelphia has outscored its opponents 46-17 and is batting .315 during its eight-game winning streak. Not too shabby considering the team has been without 2007 National League Most Valuable Player Jimmy Rollins (foot), outfielder Shane Victorino (oblique) and All-Star second baseman Chase Utley (thumb) for some or all of that span.

A stingy pitching effort has fueled the Phillies. The team's pitching staff has posted a 1.89 ERA during that time.

Wilson Valdez plated Cody Ransom with an RBI single in the 11th inning Thursday as Philadelphia claimed its 11th win in a row at Citizens Bank Park with a 3-2 triumph.

Raul Ibanez continued his strong second half with a solo home run in the contest. The veteran outfielder is batting .391 with a pair of homers and 10 RBIs following the All-Star Game.

That's the kind of offensive support which could aid Oswalt, who has not posted his traditional solid win-loss numbers this season but does have 120 strikeouts in 129 innings.

Washington (44-58) will counter with Craig Stammen (2-4, 5.50 ERA). The 26-year-old right-hander hasn't won in a month and has a gaudy 15.63 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies.

Stammen allowed three runs and five hits in five innings in a 7-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers last Friday.

The Nationals finished a road trip with a 3-7 mark, but did manage to take two of three from the Braves, including Thursday's afternoon's 5-3 triumph.

All-Star closer Matt Capps notched his 26th save of the season in that contest. Hours later, he was sent to the Minnesota Twins for minor-league prospects Wilson Ramos and Joe Testa.