Washington @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Jun 18, 2013 ) Washington 2, Philadelphia 4
In what has been a trying season, the Philadelphia Phillies look to continue their success Wednesday against the National League East and complete a three-game home sweep of the Washington Nationals. The Phillies claimed their sixth straight win at Citizens Bank Park in Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over the Nationals, improving to 18-9 against division opponents. Michael Young is doing his part to spark the offense, going 20-for-49 over his last 12 games.
Ex-Phillie Jayson Werth and rookie Jeff Kobernus each homered in Tuesday’s loss – Washington’s fourth in its last five games. The homers accounted for all the offense as the Nationals were unable to get a single runner in scoring position, although the team is only 5-for-28 in those situations over the last five contests. The setback left Washington (34-36) in a virtual tie for second place in the division with Philadelphia (35-37), while another loss in the finale would leave the Nationals a season-worst three games under .500.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (Washington), Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (3-3, 3.40 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 3.76)
Gonzalez struck out eight in seven innings and tallied a career-high 127 pitches his last time out, but did not factor in the decision after allowing a run on three hits and four walks Friday against the Cleveland Indians. The left-hander hasn’t been afforded much margin for error lately, going 0-1 despite a 2.12 ERA over his last seven outings. Wins have been easier to come by against the Phillies for Gonzalez, who is 3-1 with a 2.52 ERA in four all-time starts against them.
Kendrick was pounded for season highs in runs (seven) and hits (10) over 4 1/3 innings, but escaped with a no-decision in Friday’s 8-7 road victory at Colorado. After beginning the season 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA through seven starts, the right-hander is 1-3 with a 5.19 ERA in seven outings since. Washington tagged Kendrick with a loss after he gave up five runs over five frames on May 24, making him 4-6 with a 4.90 ERA in 20 career appearances (18 starts) against the Nats.
WALK-OFFS
1. Young is one RBI shy of becoming the 19th active player and 242nd hitter in major-league history with 1,000 for his career.
2. Washington has scored two or fewer runs in five games during Gonzalez’s winless streak.
3. Philadelphia 1B Ryan Howard hit his second triple of the season Tuesday, doubling the number he recorded in 2010 and 2011 combined.
PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Phillies 2