Philadelphia @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 24, 2019 ) Philadelphia 5, Washington 6

The Washington Nationals answered a lackluster 19-31 start to the season by winning 69 of their next 107 games to punch their ticket to the playoffs for the fifth time in eight years. Washington bids to add more salt in the wound of former teammate Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday when the National League East rivals continue their five-game series at Nationals Park.

Trea Turner had a pair of doubles to highlight a three-hit performance in Washington's 4-1 win in the opener of a doubleheader on Tuesday before belting a go-ahead grand slam in the 6-5 victory in the nightcap. "We knew nothing was going to be won or lost in the first five months and now we're in a good spot," said the 26-year-old Turner, who carries an eight-game hitting streak into Wednesday's tilt. While the Nationals (88-69) are clinging to a one-game lead over surging Milwaukee for the top wild-card spot, Philadelphia (79-78) is left to ponder its future with manager Gabe Kapler under contract for the 2020 season. "There's going to be plenty of opportunity to reflect," Kapler said. "I love this organization. I love this team, specifically. I love working for this front office. I love working for this ownership group. I'm going to manage this club as long as I can, because I think I give us a great chance to win and I care deeply about the success of this franchise."

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Drew Smyly (4-7, 6.44 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Anibal Sanchez (10-8, 3.91)

Smyly answered two strong starts with two difficult ones, as the 30-year-old followed up a two-homer performance in a no-decision against Atlanta on Sept. 12 with four runs over two innings eight days later in a 5-2 setback at Cleveland. Smyly was none-too-pleased with the early departure despite permitting five hits and three walks before exiting after issuing a free pass to begin the third. Smyly has recorded one relief appearance in his career against Washington, yielding one hit and striking out two in 1 2/3 scoreless innings of work.

Sanchez won his second straight start on Friday despite allowing four runs (three earned) in five innings of a 6-4 victory at Miami. The 35-year-old has pitched well over his last three trips to the mound, recording a 2.37 ERA while limiting the opposition to a .188 batting average. Sanchez has struggled in four starts against Philadelphia this season, sporting an 0-2 mark with a 4.43 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 1B Rhys Hoskins is hitless in his last 25 at-bats and is batting .182 since the All-Star break.

2. Washington's bullpen allowed just one baserunner during eight innings of work in Tuesday's doubleheader.

3. The Phillies have been outscored 27-9 while losing four in a row.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Phillies 2