The Philadelphia Phillies (18-17, 5-11 away) and Washington Nationals (13-17, 8-8 home) begin a three-game midweek series Tuesday night. The two National League East opponents will be meeting for the first time this season.
Tuesday’s night first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. EST inside Nationals Park in Washington D.C. According to oddsmakers, the Nationals are favored (-115) in game one, while the run total is 9.
What to Know – Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies return to action after a day off Monday, looking to break its two-game losing streak. Philadelphia dropped two of three against the Atlanta Braves over the weekend, including a 12-inning thriller Saturday night. The Phillies are one game outside of first place in the East standings.
Right-hander Chase Anderson (1-3, 5.54 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) takes the bump for the Phillies. Anderson tossed 26.0 innings this season, allowing 16 earned runs on 25 hits while striking out 21. In his last start, the 33-year old threw 4.1 innings, surrendering three earned runs, four hits, four walks, and two strikeouts.
Philadelphia scores 4.1 runs per game behind a .233 team batting average. Shortstop Didi Gregorius has driven in a team-high 22 RBI while first baseman Rhys Hoskins leads the team with eight home runs. Catcher J.T. Realmuto is hitting a team-best .313 with four home runs, 16 RBI, and 15 runs scored.
The total has gone over in six of the last 9 Phillies contests. Philadelphia is 17-18 ATS overall this season and 19-15-1 over/under.
What to Know – Washington Nationals
Washington’s dropped five of its last six and has fallen to the bottom of the league standings. The Yankees took two of three from the Nationals over the weekend, including a pair of one-run victories on Saturday and Sunday. Washington is 3.5 games back of the NL East-leading New York Mets.
The host send Erick Fedde (2-3, 5.27 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) to the hill to take on the Phillies in game one. The 28-year old has struggled early this season, compiling 22.1 innings of work and allowing 11 earned runs on 18 hits. In his last start, Fedde was knocked around by the Braves, conceding five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three.
The Nationals average 3.6 runs per game while batting .246 as a team, sixth in the majors. Shortstop Trea Turner continues his All-Star approach at the plate, hitting .308 with seven home runs, 15 runs, and 14 RBI. Outfielder Juan Soto missed the first few weeks of the season due to a positive COVID test, and the young star has had a slow start at the dish, hitting .262 with three home runs in 20 games played.
Washington is 14-16 ATS this season, while the total has gone under in six of the last seven games. The Nationals 6-10 ATS at home and 7-4 as favorites.
The Pick is In
These two teams get together for the first time this season, but there is a lot of familiarity between the two league foes. Both starters have struggled this season and are not expected to go deep into the contest, making the bullpen a vital component of Tuesday’s game. Washington’s bullpen ERA is nearly 1.5 runs lower than Phillies, so look for the Nationals to pounce on Philadelphia’s relievers.
The Pick: Washington Nationals ML
