Phillies hope to solve Scherzer, avoid eighth consecutive loss to Nats

By Rebecca Serad, Sports Talk Philly Staff

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies (60-71) have a tough task in facing Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals (76-55). The four-time All-Star has baffled Phillies hitters since joining the Nationals last year, going 5-0 with a diminutive 1.94 ERA over seven starts. The only Phillie with good numbers in a significantly number of at-bats against Scherzer is Odubel Herrera, who has .316 average with a double and five walks. Pitching for the Phillies is righty Jerad Eickhoff, who is taking on the Nats for the first time this season and just the second time in his career.

The Phillies have lost their last seven games versus the Nationals, dating back to May 30 of this year. This ties the Phils' longest losing streak against the Nats since they were relocated to Washington D.C. prior to 2005. During the current seven game losing streak, the Phillies have been outscored 42-16. The offense has a big hurdle to overcome in Scherzer, but only time will tell whether the bats will perk up or not.

Starting Pitching Matchup:

Max Scherzer — Age: 32;

• Last Start: August 25, 2016, vs. BAL: W, 8.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 10 SO
• Career vs. Phillies: (6-1), 9 G, 61.0 IP, 16 R, 16 ER, 2.36 ERA

Scherzer is having an excellent year for the Nationals, further cementing his place among the best pitchers in baseball. Versus the Phillies this season, he has only allowed six runs in 21 innings pitched. Since the All-Star break, Scherzer is 4-1 with an impressive 2.65 ERA.

Jerad Eickhoff — Age: 26;

• Last Start: August 26, 2016, at CWS: W, 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 SO
• Career vs. Nationals: (1.0), 1 G, 7.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 10 SO,  2.57 ERA

Eickhoff was great in his last start against the Chicago White Sox, throwing six innings and only allowing two runs. He was taken out of the game despite only throwing 71 pitches because the Phils are monitoring the young righty's workload as the end of the season approaches. He has been the most consistent starter in the Phillies rotation and is the only member of the Opening Day starting rotation to have not spent time on the disabled list this season.

Starting Lineups:

Broadcast Information:

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

Game Notes:

• Last night's starter, Jake Thompson, was named the International League's Most Valuable Pitcher. He is the third member of the IronPigs to receive the honor, joining Justin Lehr (2009) and Tyler Cloyd (2012).
• With one more save, Phillies closer Jeanmar Gomez will become just the seventh pitcher to to record 35 saves in a season in franchise history.
• Tonight's starter Jerad Eickhoff is averaging 2.02/9 IP in 26 starts, which is the lowest mark by a Phillies pitcher since Cliff Lee (1.29) in 2013.

Standings:

What's Next:

• Wednesday, August 31, 2016: vs. Washington Nationals, 7:05 p.m.
• Citizens Bank Park
  
• LHP Gio Gonzalez (9-9, 4.25 ERA) vs. LHP Adam Morgan (1-8, 6.50)
• TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP