Phillies Seek 3rd Series Win in Finale with Nationals

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

Looking to win their third series of the season behind RHP Nick Pivetta, the Philadelphia Phillies (7-3) will take on their former two-time Opening Day Starter RHP Jeremy Hellickson (2016, 2017) and the Washington Nationals (5-5) Wednesday evening at Citizens Bank Park.

Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg continued his undefeated streak at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, despite former teammate — now-Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper — launching a three-run blast against him, his fourth home run of 2019. Entering the game, Strasburg had gone 5-0 with a 1.58 ERA through 10 career starts at the venue; he allowed six runs in just four innings, but was bailed late, with the Nationals scoring a combined five runs — nine unanswered overall — in the ninth and 10th innings to secure their 10-6 victory. Phillies started RHP Aaron Nola allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings in his no-decision.

The Phillies and Nationals have split their four games this season; in both the Phillies' losses — accounting for two-thirds of their losses overall — they either held the lead or were tied entering the ninth inning. Seranthony Dominguez and Edubray Ramos were respectively charged with the blown saves, while the Nationals' Sean Doolittle earned wins in both. 

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Starting Pitching Matchup:

 Washington Nationals (5-5) Philadelphia Phillies (7-3)
RHP Jeremy Hellickson RHP Nick Pivetta
(0-0, 9.00 ERA) (1-0, 6.52 ERA)

RHP Jeremy Hellickson, Age: 32

  • Career vs. PHI: 1-1, 3.07 ERA, 3 G, 2 GS, 14 2/3 IP, 17 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 2 BB, 10 SO, 1.295 WHIP
  • Career at Citizens Bank Park: 9-7, 3.93 ERA, 27 G, 27 GS, 160 1/3 IP, 148 H, 77 R, 70 ER, 24 HR, 41 BB, 128 SO, 1.179 WHIP

Hellickson will make his 100th career appearance in the National League, two days after his 32nd birthday. The 10-year veteran will also make his second appearance and first start this season, both against the Phillies. On April 2 in the Phillies' 8-2 victory, Hellickson tossed two innings the finish the game; he allowed a pair of runs — a two-run home run to Harper — while walking and striking out none on 31 pitches and 20 strikes.

RHP Nick Pivetta, Age: 26

  • Career vs. WSH: 1-4, 9.93 ERA, 7 G, 6 GS, 22 2/3 IP, 37 H, 25 R, 25 ER, 11 HR, 15 BB, 23 SO, 2.294 WHIP
  • Career at Citizens Bank Park: 9-10, 4.63 ERA, 31 G, 30 GS, 161 1/3 IP, 160 H, 88 R, 83 ER, 31 HR, 45 BB, 192 SO, 1.271 WHIP

Pivetta will make his third start this season — all at home. The right-hander tossed 4 2/3 innings against the Atlanta Braves on March 30, and five innings against the Minnesota Twins last Friday. In both starts he allowed four runs and one walk, along with at least eight hits and at least one home run allowed. 

The Nationals drafted Pivetta in the fourth round of the 2013 amateur draft; he was dealt to the Phillies two years later for closer Jonathan Papelbon. Pivetta allowed 17 runs (all earned) in 13 innings against his former franchise last season.


Starting Lineups:

Washington Nationals (5-5) Philadelphia Phillies (7-3)
  Position Player Bats   Position Player Bats
1 RF Adam Eaton L 1 LF Andrew McCutchen R
2 2B Brian Dozier R 2 SS Jean Segura R
3 3B Anthony Rendon R 3 RF Bryce Harper L
4 LF Juan Soto L 4 1B Rhys Hoskins R
5 1B Matt Adams L 5 C J.T. Realmuto R
6 C Yan Gomes R 6 CF Odubel Herrera L
7 SS Wilmer Difo S 7 2B Cesar Hernandez S
8 P Jeremy Hellickson R 8 3B Maikel Franco R
9 CF Victor Robles R 9 P Nick Pivetta R


Broadcast Information:

  • First pitch: 7:05 p.m.
  • TV: NBCSP+
  • Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:


STANDINGS

  • This season in the fourth inning, the Phillies are outscoring opponents 13-0, while the Nationals are being outscored 8-0, Bob Vetrone Jr. notes.
  • On Wednesday, Phillies outfielder Roman Quinn (right oblique strain) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He went 4-9 (.444) with a home run, two walks, and three runs scored spanning three rehab games with the Clearwater Threshers.
  • Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon has three home runs and six RBI spanning 12 career at-bats opposite Pivetta. Rendon is slashing .375/.333/.625 this series with one run scored, one single, two doubles, two RBI, two strikeouts an one sacrifice fly (click to expand).

00CareerVs


What's Next:

  • Friday, April 12, 2019: at Miami Marlins, 7:10 p.m.
    • Marlins Park, Miami, Fla.
    • RHP Jake Arrieta (1-1, 2.77 ERA) vs. RHP Sandy Alcantara (1-0, 1.50 ERA)
    • TV: NBC 10; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
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