Philadelphia @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 24, 2019 ) Philadelphia 1, Washington 4

The Washington Nationals are strengthening their grasp on a potential postseason berth at the expense of a familiar face in Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies. Washington (86-69) conceivably can punch its ticket to the playoffs and eliminate Philadelphia (79-76) from postseason consideration on Tuesday when the National League East rivals play a doubleheader at Nationals Park.

Adam Eaton belted his career-high 15th homer to highlight his second three-hit performance in three contests in Monday's 7-2 romp as the Nationals trimmed their magic number to three to clinch a playoff berth. Trea Turner and Yan Gomes also went deep for Washington, which resides a half-game ahead of Milwaukee for the top wild-card spot in the National League and 4 1/2 in front of the next closest pursuer (Chicago Cubs). Harper, who bolted the nation's capital for the City of Brotherly Love after signing a 13-year, $330 million contract, carries a seven-game hitting streak into Wednesday's doubleheader. The free-falling Phillies, who sit 6 1/2 games behind the Brewers for the final wild-card spot, need to win the final four contests of the five-game series versus the Nationals to avoid being eliminated.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (12-6, 3.75 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (10-7, 2.81)

Nola fell to 0-3 in his last six starts on Thursday after yielding five runs on nine hits - including two homers - in five innings of a 5-4 setback at Atlanta. The 26-year-old has yet to record a decision in three encounters with Washington this season, although he has surrendered 12 runs on 17 hits - including five homers - in those meetings. Anthony Rendon (13-for-37, two homers) and Asdrubal Cabrera (4-for-11) have flustered Nola, whose ERA is over two runs higher on the road than at home (4.99 to 2.91).

Scherzer surrendered five runs - including two homers - in a 5-1 setback at St. Louis on Wednesday to lose back-to-back starts and fall to 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in six outings since returning from the injured list. The 35-year-old owns a 1-1 mark with an 0.75 ERA and 19 strikeouts in two starts versus the Phillies this season. J.T. Realmuto (3-for-40, 13 strikeouts), Rhys Hoskins (0-for-17, 10 strikeouts) and Maikel Franco (4-for-25) have struggled mightily against Scherzer, although Jean Segura (4-for-12) has enjoyed a bit of success in a smaller sample size.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rendon is 18-for-45 with 11 RBIs and as many runs scored against Philadelphia this season.

2. Realmuto could be shut down for the remainder of the season as he deals with right knee soreness.

3. Nationals LF Juan Soto has walked nine times in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Phillies 2