District On Deck
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Washington Nationals vs. Phillies Series Preview (9/8-9/11)

By Ricky Keeler

Aug 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) hits a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) hits a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Sep 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Adam Morgan (39) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Adam Morgan (2-9, 5.90) vs. Gio Gonzalez (10-9, 4.40) – 1:35 p.m, MASN2

In his last start against the Marlins on September 6, Morgan picked up his first win since May 10. He went six innings, gave up one run on five hits, and struck out five on 85 pitches.

During that start, Morgan threw 54 of his 85 pitches for strikes and held the Marlins offense to one extra-base hit. In three of his last four starts, Morgan has given up two runs or fewer, which is a great improvement from how he pitched at the beginning of the season.

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This season, Morgan is 0-2 with a 5.12 ERA in three games against the Washington Nationals. That being said, the Nats offense has scored five runs in their last two games against Morgan. Wilson Ramos is 4-for-8 against the 26-year-old left-hander with one home run and six RBI’s.

To say Gonzalez’s start against the Braves was a disappointment on September 6 is an understatement. He went three innings, gave up six runs on eight hits, and struck out four on 85 pitches, but he got a no-decision.

Gonzalez gave up one run in each of the first innings that he pitched and he was only able to get six swinging strikes against the Braves. You have to go back to June 25 to find the last time the left-hander gave up six or more runs in an outing.

Next: Strasburg's Injury A Deep Concern For Nats Future

He has pitched well against the Phillies this season as he is 1-1 with a 1.40 ERA in three starts. On August 31, he gave up one run on two hits over six innings in a win. Freddy Galvis is 9-for-33 against him with two home runs and three RBI’s in his career.

Prediction: While the Washington Nationals have been able to dominate the Phillies this season, this is the game I think Philadelphia will win in the series. Morgan has pitched better of late and its tough to trust Gonzalez after the mediocre outing he had against the Braves. Phillies win the game, but the Nats take three out of four in the series.

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