Washington Nationals Series Preview: Nats vs. Phillies (5/22-5/24)
May 20, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman XXXX (6) at bat in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Winners of five straight, 17 of their last 21, and seven straight series, the Washington Nationals (24-17) are the hottest team in baseball. Fresh off a two-game sweep at home over the New York Yankees (22-19), the Philadelphia Phillies (18-24) are in town, as Washington looks to keep rolling against their division foe. The Nats lead the season series 4-3, outscoring the Phils 26-20.
So far this season, he Nationals own the best scoring offense in the National League. With 205 runs scored, the Nats are averaging five runs a game. Leading the way is early-MVP candidate Bryce Harper (.333/.472/.732), who has hit 10 home runs in the month of May and is in the top 5 in all of baseball in nearly every major offensive category, including walks, batting average, runs scored, RBIs, slugging percentage, home runs, and on-base percentage. He has played every game for Washington thus far, and as long as he remains healthy, should continue producing.
Not to be forgotten is catcher Wilson Ramos (.302/.323/.397), who has hit safely in 19 of his last 20 games, or Yunel Escobar (.326/.384/.396), who has filled in the No. 3 spot in the lineup well while Jayson Werth sits on the Disabled List. The biggest surprise of the season has been fill-in second baseman Danny Espinosa (.269/.368/.472), who has seemingly rediscovered his stroke and resurrected his career as a switch hitter.
The Phillies, on the other hand, rank dead last in the majors, scoring 3.2 runs per game. With Chase Utley (.169/.250/.292) struggling mightily, Philadelphia has been forced to ride on the talents of Freddy Galvis (.319/.380/.368) and Odubel Herrera (.262/.295/.369). Ryan Howard (.257/.307/.521) is still hitting for power, but has amassed 41 strikeouts and only 8 walks.
Next: Tonight's Matchup
May 16, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher XXXX (31) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight’s Matchup
Max Scherzer (4-3, 1.75 ERA) vs. Sean O’Sullivan (1-2, 3.68) – 7:05 PM ET, broadcast on MASN
Max Scherzer has been everything the Nationals could have hoped for and more so far this season, and he has shown no signs of slowing down. He is currently top 5 among qualifying pitchers in Major League Baseball in ERA, strikeouts, WHIP, and quality starts. The Cy Young candidate has shifted to the National League nicely, and has been putting on a show every fifth day.
Sean O’Sullivan has been much more than the Phillies expected out of him this year, pitching to the tune of a 3.68 ERA, well below his career average of 5.72. However, he has yet to earn a win against the Nationals so far, despite already having two chances. The 27-year old right hander also sports an alarming 5.54 FIP, meaning he may be due to be lit up soon.
Advantage: The Nationals’ ace has been too dominant not to shine against such a weak offense. Despite Philadelphia’s recent run of success, expect Scherzer to shut down the Phillies’ offense, and the Nats win this one big.
Next: Tomorrow's Matchup
May 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher XXXX (35) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Tomorrow’s Matchup
Stephen Strasburg (3-4, 5.98) vs. Cole Hamels (4-3, 3.24) – 4:05 PM ET, broadcast on MASN
Cole Hamels may have walked the 4th-most batters in all of baseball, but he is still undoubtedly one of the top pitchers in the game, and may be just hitting his stride. Over his last three starts, Hamels sports a sparkling 1.69 ERA with a perfect 3-0 record. The Phillies’ ace has been the center of trade talks since the beginning of last season, and his days in a Philadelphia uniform may be numbered.
Meanwhile, Stephen Strasburg is in the midst of the worst slump of his young career. Denying any reports of injury, Strasburg has claimed he simply he needs to work through his slump and hopefully things will begin to turn around. He currently holds a team-high 5.98 ERA in 40.2 innings. He does own a FIP of 3.45, but for now the results have not been very pleasant.
Advantage: If the Nats can get to Hamels early however, this could be a close one. Even if Strasburg does not return to full form, do not be surprised if this turns into a battle of late inning bullpens, with Washington coming out on top.
Next: Sunday's Matchup
May 19, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher XXXX (47) throws a pitch during the game against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday’s Matchup
Gio Gonzalez (3-2, 4.94) vs. Aaron Harang (4-3, 1.82) – 1:35 PM ET, broadcast on MASN
While Gio Gonzalez has lacked consistency, he has pitched better as of late, not having lost a start since April 26th. The lone lefty of the Nationals’ rotation is second on the team with 43 strikeouts, and sports a respectable 0.4 HR/9. The former 20-game winner may not be able to put up his 2012 numbers, but is definitely a more than qualified No. 4 starter and should pitch better as the season goes on.
Aaron Harang has been magnificent since signing with the Phillies over the offseason. The former Brave has, like his previously mentioned teammate, vastly outperformed his career averages, posting a 1.82 ERA as opposed to 4.15. Gonzalez, a former 20-game winner, has struggled as of late, but still could put Washington in a position to win.
Advantage: They should do just that, as Washington should sweep the series and keep on rolling. If Harang keeps up his ridiculous pace and Gonzalez pitches the way he is capable of, this should be a low scoring game that the Nationals ultimately pull out.