The first two games of this series have been some of the best that the Nationals have played all year. With Stephen Strasburg starting this afternoon, the Nats will try to buck the trend of not supporting their ace on offense and to get a home sweep of the Phillies. Strasburg has a 3.01 ERA this season, but is just 5-9 and the Nats are 7-15 in his starts this year. His counterpart will be Kyle Kendrick, who is 10-8 but has a 4.36 ERA. Here are this afternoon’s lineups:
Aug 9, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Ian Krol (46) is congratulated by teammates after recording the final out against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington
Denard Span CF
Bryce Harper LF
Jayson Werth RF
Ian Desmond SS
Adam LaRoche 1B
Strasburg RHP
Philadelphia
Chase Utley 2B
Darin Ruf RF
Cody Asche 3B
Kendrick RHP