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District On Deck

Washington Nationals: Time to get that good Phill-ing back

By Blake Finney

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 06: The Washington Nationals celebrate Wilmer Difo #1 game winning base hit in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on May 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 06: The Washington Nationals celebrate Wilmer Difo #1 game winning base hit in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on May 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Nationals have been frustratingly inconsistent in 2018. Now with the Philadelphia Phillies in town, it’s time to get a good Phill-ing going.

The Washington Nationals just about scraped a series victory against the Baltimore Orioles this week. But a much stiffer test is next with the Philadelphia Phillies making their second trip to Nats Park.

Joining Blake Finney on the DoDCast to look ahead to series is our very own contributor, Brian Foley. Check it out here.

On this episode they cover:

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After not being scheduled to pitch during the first series, Aaron Nola is looking to make up for that this time around. So far, he’s been one of the best pitchers, if not players, in the National League. He possesses a 2.55 ERA, to go with a FIP below three, and finally seems to have taken the next step.

A constant threat in their lineup is also getting hot at the right time too, in Odubel Herrera. The outfielder has homered in each of his last four games and like Nola, has a strong All-Star case. He’s hitting .299 with 35 runs, 41 RBI, and 12 homers. Watch out for him this weekend.

It’s going to be a tough series for the Nationals, and if they are to have any hope of a series win, they need Tanner Roark to bounce back. He’s given up a home run in each of his last four outings and his season continues to spiral out of control. But a rebound outing against Zach Eflin and the Phillies would be huge to get the weekend off to a positive start.

Want to hear more about the Washington Nationals on our DoDCast? You can subscribe to us on iTunes or Google Play and have episodes automatically downloaded for you. You can also listen to us on our brand new home, Spreaker.

Next: Nats should target these five catchers

Make no mistake, the Philadelphia Phillies will be stiff competition for the Washington Nationals. And without Max Scherzer going, coming out on top in the series would be a huge statement of intent.

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