Nats to inflict more pain on Phillies?
The National League East hasn’t exactly been a standard-bearer for baseball excellence so far. Washington, obviously, represents the exception to the rule.
Dusty Baker’s squad shoots for its ninth win in 10 games tonight against Philadelphia. According to oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI, the host Phillies are 1.5-run underdogs.
Behind another powerful performance by outfielder Bryce Harper, the Nats overwhelmed Philly in yesterday’s series opener. The three-time All-Star registered three hits, including his fourth homer, and drove in three to spearhead a 9-1 triumph. Starting pitcher Joe Ross also turned in 7 2/3 scoreless frames.
Ace Max Scherzer (1-0, 4.15 ERA) assumes the baton at 7:05 p.m. ET. He’s 4-1 with a 2.25 ERA in six career meetings with the Phils, fanning 42 and issuing just five free passes over 40 innings. The Missouri native will be motivated to move past a rather ordinary showing against Atlanta earlier in the week, too.
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An additional sour note for Pete Mackanin: Harper’s 12 for 26 with six bombs and 10 RBIs in his last six showings at Citizens Bank Park. Through nearly two full weeks of action, Baker can point to a combined 23 base knocks and 18 RBIs from the tandem of Harper and Daniel Murphy. In other words, good to luck to Philadelphia hurler Aaron Nola.
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