Span Returns As Rain Threatens Game Two In Philly

After another close loss last night, the Nats will attempt to rebound in the second game of their Philadelphia series, even as rain attempts to thwart their game. The Nats scored four runs last night, but it was not enough to beat the Phillies, and they might be in trouble if they have to score five or more runs again tonight. To start tonight, the Phillies are trotting out their ace Cliff Lee, who has been dominant this season. He is 8-2 with a 2.55 ERA, and has not allowed more than three earned runs since May 1st. Since then, the Phillies are 7-1 in his starts. To have a hope of winning, the Nats will need a strong performance from the newly healthy Ross Detwiler. Dewiler is 2-4, but has a 3.02 ERA. In his return from a strained oblique, Detwiler allowed three runs in five innings in Colorado five days ago, but will need to improve off that if he hopes to duel with Lee. The Nationals will have a bit of an offensive boon, however, as Denard Span will return after sitting yesterday thanks to a bruised foot. Here are tonight’s lineups:

Jun 16, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Washington

Span CF

Anthony Rendon 2B

Ryan Zimmerman 3B

Jayson Werth RF

Adam LaRoche 1B

Ian Desmond SS

Kurt Suzuki C

Steve Lombardozzi LF

Detwiler LHP

Philadelphia

Ben Revere CF