Surging Phillies Take on Division Leaders in DC

While still technically capable of reaching a Wild Card spot in this year's playoffs, the Phillies are probably headed toward another October-less season. However, that hasn't stopped Ryne Sandberg's team from making a late season run, where they've won ten out of their last fifteen games. Included in those ten wins was a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals up in Philadelphia just over a week ago. Neither Jerome Williams nor Stephen Strasburg had the opportunity to throw in that series, but will be the pair squaring off in tonight's opening contest. Meanwhile, another September callup will get the start for Philadelphia.

Since signing with the Phillies nearly one month ago, Jerome Williams has made four starts in red. His last three have been impressive, stellar, even, when compared to his results in the American League earlier this season. Each of those outings has seen Williams go at least 6.1 innings with four total earned runs allowed. He has not given up a home run since his Phillies debut. Williams' biggest weakness seems to stem from his baserunners, as he's given up nine walks in those three starts. 

Taking the mound for the Nationals is Stephen Strasburg, who is coming off of two very different outings. Most recently, Strasburg faced the Mariners out in Seattle. He'd rack up 7.2 innings with six hits and a single earned run allowed on a solo home run. His previous start did not go as well. Against the San Francisco Giants, Stras completed only four innings of work to the tune of five earned runs, eight hits, and two walks surrendered. His last appearance against Philadelphia included seven innings of shutout baseball. 

Making the start for the Phillies at third base once again will be Maikel Franco. This will be Franco's second start since joining the major league roster. Franco is hitless, but did collect his first RBI on a sacrifice fly.

Phillies Lineup

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Marlon Byrd RF
6. Domonic Brown LF
7. Carlos Ruiz C
8. Maikel Franco 3B
9. Jerome Williams P

Nationals Lineup

1. Denard Span CF
2. Anthony Rendon 3B
3. Jayson Werth RF
4. Adam LaRoche 1B
5. Ian Desmond SS
6. Bryce Harper LF
7. Wilson Ramos C
8. Asdrubal Cabrera 2B
9. Stephen Strasburg P

Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com