Roark, Nationals Go For Series Win Against Phillies

Jul 4, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher

(57) throws the ball during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

After a big 5-3, extra-inning victory over the Phillies Saturday night, the Nationals look to secure a series win against their rivals in the rubber game on Sunday.

Tanner Roark (7-6, 3.12 ERA) gets the start for the Nationals as he looks to bounce back from a rare rough outing against the Cubs on the July 4 in which he gave up four runs on nine hits over seven innings of work. It was the second straight start in which Roark gave up four runs, both times against the Cubs.

Despite his recent struggles, Roark has still been solid over the last two months and boasts a 2.74 ERA over his last 10 starts. In his career against the Phillies, Roark is 1-1 with a 10.50 ERA over six innings, a trend he hopes to change Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia.

The Phillies will counter with right-hander Kyle Kendrick (4-8, 4.46 ERA), who allowed seven runs over 5 2/3 innings against the Brewers his last time out. The key for the Nationals will be to get to Kendrick early as the right-hander has a 10.50 ERA in the first inning this season, and a 3.34 ERA in every other inning.

Prior to Sunday afternoon’s game, the Nationals are tied with the Braves for first place in the NL East with a record of 50-42.

Here are the lineups for today’s game:

1. CF: Denard Span
2. 2B: Anthony Rendon
3. RF: Jayson Werth
4. 1B: Adam LaRoche
5. 3B: Ryan Zimmerman
6. LF: Bryce Harper
7. SS: Ian Desmond
8. C: Jose Lobaton
9. SP: Tanner Roark

Philadelphia Phillies Lineup

1. LF: Grady Sizemore
2. SS: Jimmy Rollins
3. 2B: Chase Utley
4. 1B: Ryan Howard
5. RF: Marlon Byrd
6. 3B: Cody Asche
7. C: Cameron Rupp
8. CF: Ben Revere
9. SP: Kyle Kendrick