Phillies @ Nationals: Game Preview (8/2)

Phillies vs Nationals

7:05 PM Nationals Park

MASN-1

Story Lines:

• Dangerous times for the Nats, who will try to avoid the sweep facing Cole Hamels.
• Will the Nats offense wake up with some run support tonight?
• Nats will look to gain some momentum going into tomorrows double-header.

Pitching Match Up:

• Cole Hamels
• 11-5 with a 3.31 ERA.
• Is 2-0 against the Nats this year, having surrendered 1 run.
• Surrendered 5 runs, 3 of them earned, in 5 innings his last start.

• Ross Detwiler
• 5-4 with a 3.24 ERA.
• Has not faced Philly this season.
• Gave up 4 runs over 4.2 innings his last start.

Who to Watch:

•  Chase Utley
• Hitting .286 with double and an RBI against Detwiler.
• Went 2-4 in yesterday's game and drew a walk.
• Hitting .375 in the series.

• Ryan Zimmerman
• Has sat out the first two games of the series, but said he would play tonight.
• Came in last night to pinch hit, but was caught stealing.
• Hitting .273 with 2 homeruns, 4 RBIs, and 4 BB against Hamels.

Keys to the Game:

1. Stop the Run Game.  Pierre has had 2 stolen bases in each of the first 2 games.
2. Run Support.  Tonight against Hamels, Detwiler will need some help.
3. Avoid the Sweep.  Not really a "key" to the game, but the Nats should really do this.