By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor 
WASHINGTON D.C. — The last time the Phillies played the Washington Nationals with Aaron Nola on the mound, they won 17-3. The last time Nola took the mound in an April game in Nationals park came in 2016, when Nola went seven dominant innings, while allowing just two hits and throwing just 77 pitches. After being swept by the New York Mets this week, the Phillies would be happy with a repeat of either of those performances Friday afternoon.
Starting Pitching Matchup:
| Washington Nationals (5-4) | Philadelphia Phillies (3-6) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RHP | Stephen Strasburg | RHP | Aaron Nola | ||
| (1-0, 3.21 ERA) | (1-0, 4.50 ERA) | ||||
Starting Lineups:
| Washington Nationals (5-4) | Philadelphia Phillies (3-6) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Player | Bats | Position | Player | Bats | ||
| 1 | CF | Adam Eaton | L | 1 | 2B | Cesar Hernandez | S |
| 2 | 3B | Anthony Rendon | R | 2 | LF | Howie Kendrick | R |
| 3 | RF | Bryce Harper | L | 3 | CF | Odubel Herrera | L |
| 4 | 2B | Daniel Murphy | L | 4 | 3B | Maikel Franco | R |
| 5 | 1B | Ryan Zimmerman | R | 5 | RF | Michael Saunders | L |
| 6 | LF | Jayson Werth | R | 6 | 1B | Tommy Joseph | R |
| 7 | C | Matt Wieters | L | 7 | C | Cameron Rupp | R |
| 8 | SS | Wilmer Difo | S | 8 | SS | Freddy Galvis | S |
| 9 | P | Stephen Strasburg | R | 9 | P | Aaron Nola | R |
Broadcast Information:
- First pitch: 4:05 p.m.
- TV: CSN Philly
- Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
Game Notes:
- This will be Strasburg's second consecutive start against the Phillies. This past Sunday, he went seven innings, scattered five hits and allowed three runs. He ultimately got a no-decision, as the Phillies went on to win the game 4-3.
- With a day off yesterday, I'm mildly surprised that the Phillies didn't consider skipping Aaron Nola in the rotation this turn and having Jeremy Hellickson pitch today. There wasn't anything wrong with Nola's first start, but he only threw 111 innings last year, so the Phillies will need to limit his innings throughout the course of the year. Having him skip a start in April would have potentially allowed him to make an extra start later in the year.
- Jayson Werth, who is in a contract year, is off to a scorching hot start. He's slashed .303/.361/.576 with three home runs and seven RBIs in his first nine games of the year.
- Daniel Murphy, who may be the best pure hitter in the league, is batting .450 so far this year. This comes a year after he hit .347, which was second best in the National League.
What's Next:
- Saturday, April 15, 2017: at Washington Nationals, 1:05 p.m.
- Nationals Park
- RHP Jeremy Hellickson (1-0, 0.90 ERA) vs. Gio Gonzalez (1-0, 0.69 ERA)
- TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
