Nationals (56-61) @ Phillies (77-40)

My Fellow Phans,

Man its good to be home, isn’t it? Not that the Phillies didn’t enjoy their last west coast roadtrip finishing with a historically best 9-1 record since they last were home.

Now the Phillies return home for a brief 6 game home stand. They open with a 3 game set against Jayson Werth and the Nationals. The Phillies are 6-3 against the Nats this season. Here is your preview:

Washington Nationals (56-61 4th NL East) @ Phillies (77-40 1st- NL East)

Friday, August 12:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Cole Hamels (13-6 2.53) vs. Livan Hernandez (6-11 4.41)

Saturday, August 13:

7:05 @ Citizens Bank Park – CSN

Roy Oswalt (4-7 3.84) vs. John Lannon (8-7 3.56)

Sunday, August 14:

1:35 @ Citizens Bank Park – PHL 17

Roy Halladay (15-4 2.51) vs. Chien-Ming Wang (1-2 3.60)

Breakdown:

The Phillies open this series with a pair of a familiar foes.

This will be Hernandez’s fourth start against the Phillies this season. In 19.1 innings, he’s allowed 9 earned runs and compiled a 1-1 record.  John Lannon has had slightly less luck against the Phillies. This season, he is 0-2 with an 5.40 ERA against the hometown squad in two starts. As for Wang, its been a long time since he’s faced the Phillies and the only hitter we have with more than 10 at bats against him, is Raul Ibanez (24 ABs – .208 1HR 5 RBI.

As for the three Phillies starters. The trio of Hamels, Halladay, and Oswalt have combined to pitch 37 innings with a steady 2.68 ERA. During that time, the group has compiled a 3-1 mark with 33 strikeouts and just 5 walks.

It would sure seem that the odds are in the Phillies favor this series.

One side note. I hope Phillies fans thank Jayson Werth. Without him bolting for the biggest paycheck in Washington, the Phillies would have never acquired Hunter Pence.

So, thank you Jayson!

Analysis:

While all the chips seem to be in the Phillies favor, this is not a series to take lightly. The Nationals are a tough team that knows the Phillies very well by now and always seems to play us hard.

When all the dust settles, I think Halladay and Hamels work their magic as the home team wins the series. I won’t call for a sweep, but there is always a chance that the could occur.

Honestly, it would be nice to see the Phillies get to 40 games over .500, but I will be happy with another series win.

Prediction:

Phillies win 2-of-3.

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