Phillies Look to Take Series Over the NL East Leading Nationals

Yesterday, the Phillies (65-75) came from behind to steel a most improbable win over the Washington Nationals (79-60). The Phillies scored seven runs in the last four innings including a huge three run ninth inning. The huge hits came from a collective of Ryan Howard (21^st home run of the season), Chase Utley (30^th double of the season), Carlos Ruiz (sixth homer of the season, and Ben Revere (his second career homerun.). The bullpen was also stellar in the game going six innings only giving up three hits, two runs, and striking out four batters.

Today, the Phillies look to continue their recent success that has led to them winning four of their last five series. Phillies will send hot and cold, veteran right-hander, A.J. Burnett (7-15 4.40 ERA). Burnett was less than fabulous in his last going six innings, but giving up five runs to the Mets. In his prior start versus the Nationals, Burnett was stellar going seven innings, striking out 12 batters while giving up only three hits and one run. The Nationals will oppose Burnett with young right-hander, Tanner Roark (12-9 2.91 ERA). Roark took the loss in his last two starts, including one to the Phillies. In the start versus the Phillies, he went six innings giving up two runs, striking out only two batters.

Game Notes:

• Mario Hollands who was injured in a relief appearance versus the Braves, will miss the rest of the season, but will not need surgery. Hollands was 2-2 with a 4.40 ERA out the pen.
• Ben Revere is red hot and leads the Majors with an average of .316. He also hit his second career home run in last night’s victory
• Burnett joins Dillion Gee (2013), Josh Johnson (2009), and Derek Lowe (2009) as the only pitchers to start six games or more versus the Nationals
• Carlos Ruiz will start on the bench tonight in favor of Wil Nieves.
• Grady Sizemore will start in right field, filling in for a slumping Marlon Byrd.
  

Phillies Lineup:

1. Ben Revere CF
2. Jimmy Rollins SS
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Grady Sizemore RF
6. Domonic Brown LF
7. Wil Nieves C
8. Cody Asche 3B
9. A.J. Burnett 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. Tanner Roark P

First Pitch: 4:05 PM ET

Location: National’s Park, Washington D.C. 

Weather: 94^o F Heavy Afternoon T-Storms

TV: CSN

Radio: 1210 WPHT, 94 WIP

 Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia.