7:05pm - Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Pedro Martinez, RHP (3-0, 3.52) v. John Lannan, LHP (8-10, 4.09)
Pedro Martinez will open the series for the Phillies against John Lannan of the Nationals. Martinez delivered the Phillies a brilliant performance his last time out, which was also the last time the Phillies won a ball game. He will look to duplicate that success against the Nats. Washington will counter with John Lannan, one of their best starters. He will look to keep the Phillies' offense reeling.
It feels like a long time since a Phillies' starter had a high quality start. Pedro Martinez will look to produce his second consecutive solid performance against the Nationals. He has not faced the Nationals very much, but does have good numbers against them. In 92 career plate appearances, current Nats are batting just .226 against Pedro. Washington's line up is young and aggressive, so it will be important for Martinez to have excellent control and keep his pitches away from the middle of the plate.
John Lannan will have the difficult task of facing off against the Phillies. With their offense really struggling, it's only a matter of time before they explode. And though Lannan is a lefty, the Phillies hitters have handled him in the past. Current Phillies are a combined .316 against Lannan in 156 plate appearances. Patience, as always, will be paramount for the Phillies hitters. As they collectively get back on track, they need to start working deeper counts and getting into bullpens earlier.
It will be a very revealing game for the Phillies tonight. They have been on cruise control for a while, and while they were swept this past weekend, they still have a big lead. They will be taking on the worst team in baseball, but are still very capable of losing. So, the Phillies will need to come out with some more energy and precision for their three games in the Nation's capital.
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