Washington @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Aug 11, 2013 ) Philadelphia 0, Washington 6
After rallying to a spirited victory over one struggling National League East team, the Washington Nationals look to continue their success against another on Monday, when they open a three-game series versus the host Philadelphia Phillies. Jayson Werth drilled a two-out RBI double to cap a three-run eighth inning as Washington recorded a stirring 6-5 triumph over the New York Mets on Sunday night. Winners of nine of their last 12, the Nationals moved within 6 1/2 games of Cincinnati in the race for the second NL wild card.
The Phillies certainly could use an offensive uprising as Darin Ruf's 12th homer was all they mustered in a 7-1 setback to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. Runs likely will be at a premium as the Phillies send left-hander Cole Hamels to the mound against fireballer Stephen Strasburg. The latter scattered four hits and struck out 10 in the only complete game of his career as the Nationals cruised to a 6-0 triumph over Philadelphia on Aug. 11.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), CSN (Philadelphia)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (6-9, 2.96 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cole Hamels (6-13, 3.58)
Strasburg made only 22 pitches in his last trip to the mound before Mother Nature made her presence felt and prematurely ended his evening. The 25-year-old has struggled away from home, posting a 1-5 record with a 4.98 ERA. Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins hasn't fared well versus Strasburg, going 2-for-16 with six strikeouts.
Hamels improved to 2-0 in his last six starts by allowing two runs over seven innings in a 6-2 triumph over the Mets on Wednesday. The 2008 World Series MVP improved to 14-6 lifetime against Washington after permitting one run on six hits in eight innings of a 4-2 victory on July 9. Hamels has overcome a brutal start to the season by registering seven consecutive quality starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington CF Denard Span originally was slated to have the night off on Sunday, but he had a pinch-hit single to extend his career-high hitting streak to 15 games.
2. Philadelphia INF Kevin Frandsen went 3-for-6 with a pair of homers versus Chicago before going 0-for-4 in the series finale.
3. Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman had three hits on Sunday, and eight in his last four games, but is just 1-for-7 in his career against Hamels.
PREDICTION: Nationals 2, Phillies 0