Phillies (7-2) @ Nationals (4-5): Series Preview

 

My Fellow Phans,

So the Phillies bounced back strongly against Atlanta after Cliff Lee’s tough outing. Strong starts by Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels propelled the Phillies to a series victory down at Turner Field.

So, now we turn our attention a bit further north in the Nation’s capital. The Phillies will finally face their former superstar outfielder and the Nationals prized new acquisition, Jayson Werth.

Pitching Matchups:

Tuesday: Joe Blanton (0-0 14.54) vs. Livan Hernandez (4.76)

Wednesday: Roy Halladay (1-0 0.69) vs.John Lannon (1-0 3.60)

Thursday: Cliff Lee (1-1 7.84) vs. Jordan Zimmerman (1-1 3.18)

Phillies Notes

Ranks: As a team, the Phillies rank 6th in the NL in ERA (3.49) and strikeouts (76), tied for third in quality starts (6). They have issued the least walks in the entire MLB …Their 59 runs scored are 2nd in the NL and they lead the majors with a .334 batting average

Offensive Leaders: AVG: Victorino – .417 / HR: Howard – 2 / RBI: Howard – 11 / Runs: Ibanez – 9 / Hits: Victorino – 15

Pitching Leaders: Wins: Oswalt – 2 / ERA: Halladay – 0.69 / Ks: Lee – 14 / WHIP: Halladay – 0.92 / Saves: Contreras – 2

Nationals Notes

NL Ranks : The Nationals sit last in the NL in team batting (.217) while they sit in 12th in runs scored with 32… Their team ERA (4.09) is 11th best amongst the 16 teams. They are 8th in strikeouts and tied for 12th in quality starts (4).

Offensive Leaders: AVG: Ryan Zimmerman – .357 / HR: 7 players – 1 / RBI: Danny Espinosa – 5 / Runs: Espinosa – 6 / Hits: Zimmerman – 10

Pitching Leaders: Wins: 4 players – 1 / ERA: Jordan Zimmerman – 3.18 / Ks: Jason Marquis – 11 / WHIP: Zimmerman – 1.15 / Saves: Sean Burnett - 2

Series Outlook:

I cannot look at these pitching matchups and diagnosis this as a series where they will be limited scoring. Although, all 3 of these starters are beatable, the Nationals always seem to play the Phillies tough. Washington is going to be without star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, whom is injured. I think that means we may see Werth in the 3-hole for these games.

Blanton had a few brilliant innings against the Mets before he suddenly fell apart with no apparent reason. I am curious to see how he does against the steady Hernandez, a guy who always seems to pitch tough against the Phillies.

Game 2 is actually a pitching rematch of opening day 2010 when the Phillies blasted the Nationals and Halladay won his first game in a Phillies uniform.

The Nationals are definitely better than last season offensively and thus far, their pitching has held up as well. I’m hoping / expecting Cliff Lee will have a bounce back game after that horrid start against the Braves.

Prediction:

Even though the Nationals always seem to play us tough, I see no reason why we cannot take this series. My official Prediction: Phillies take 2 of 3.

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and go Phillies!