Nats to treasure eighth straight W vs. Phils?
Yesterday, Bryce Harper became the eighth-youngest player to reach 100 homers. He’ll attempt to help Washington slug its way to a sixth consecutive victory tonight.
The Nationals travel to the Phillies for the opener of a three-game set at 7:05 p.m. ET. According to oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv, the road team enters as a 1.5-run favorite. The over/run figure rests at 7.5 runs.
Thanks in large part to the reigning National League, the Nats continue to bulldoze the competition. Dusty Baker’s pitcher complemented the hot hitting of Harper over the last three contests vs. Atlanta, too, surrendering a total of three runs. The staff ERA through the first week-plus of action: an MLB-leading 2.22.
Somewhat surprisingly, Washington may need every ounce of that prowess on the mound to upend a division rival. Philadelphia has won five of six, including a ridiculous affair on Thursday. Unheralded righty Vince Velasquez struck out 16 and twirled a three-hitter to ensure a sweep of visiting San Diego. This evening’s starter, veteran Jeremy Hellickson (1-0, 1.54 ERA), walked one while fanning 11 between his first two assignments.
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Joe Ross is capable of doing the same for the Nationals – if control problems are kept at bay. The 22-year-old hurler allowed one run and five base knocks to the Mets over the weekend. He’s never faced the Phils.
Almost every number out there favors the Nats to capture their eighth win on the campaign – and we can’t disagree. Hellickson must earn our full trust, but that problem won’t happen against Harper’s bomb squad. Bet on the City of Brotherly Love to suffer a setback here.
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