Another winning week against decent competition. After a 4-3 trip out West, now the Phillies put up a 3-2 trip out East, and things are not necessarily looking up, but at least looking okay at 21-23, 4.5 out in the NL East.
Philadelphia Phillies (21-23, NL East-3) @ Miami Marlines (12-32, NL East-5)
Where: Marlins Park
When: Monday-Wednesday 7:10
TV: CSN Monday- Tuesday, PHL 17 on Wednesday.
Pitching Match-Ups:
Monday- Cole Hamels (1-6, 4.61) vs. Alex Sanabia (2-6, 5.00)
Tuesday- Tyler Cloyd (0-0, 2.84) vs. Jose Fernandez (2-2, 3.48)
Wednesday- Cliff Lee (4-2, 2.83) vs. Kevin Slowey (1-4, 3.44)
On the Phillies- Well, they just won a series against the mighty Reds, and did so dramatically beating Aroldis Chapman. They will be looking to build momentum here.
On the Marlins- They're not going anywhere, but their rotation is tougher than one might have thought.
PREDICTION- It won't be pretty or easy, but the Phillies will win 2 of 3.
Phillies @ Washington Nationals (23-21, NL East-2)
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday 7:05, Saturday 7:15, Sunday 1:35
TV: Friday CSN, Saturday FOX, Sunday PHL 17
Pitching Match-Ups:
Friday- Kyle Kendrick (4-2, 2.82) vs. Jordan Zimmerman (7-2, 1.62)
Saturday- Jon Pettibone (2-0, 3.00) vs. TBD
Sunday- Hamels vs. TBD
On the Nats- They have some injury issues in the rotation, making it probable that we'll see Haren and Duke over the weekend, in some order. They're a pretty similar team to the Phillies so far- good pitching, bad hitting. They're similar in record too. I won't call this series "big," but it's been on my calendar.
PREDICTION- Friday night features two hot pitchers, then both teams pitching "issues" come into play after that. I can't stand the Nats, so this is hard to pick. I'll make myself sick a moment. Nats 2 of 3.
