The Philadelphia Phillies conclude their five-game series on the road Thursday against the Washington Nationals. The Phillies were swept in a doubleheader on Tuesday by Washington losing the opening game 4-1 followed by the nightcap 6-5. With the first loss of the day, the Phillies were officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Washington clinched a wildcard berth with its win in the second game. Trea Turner his a grand slam that put the Nationals ahead to stay during the sixth inning. The Nationals reached the postseason after a dreadful 19-31 start to the season and calls for replacing manager Dave Martinez. The Nationals have reached the postseason in five of the last eight seasons.
Cesar Hernandez leads the Phillies with a .281 batting average and in hits with 165. Bryce Harper leads in home runs with 34 and in RBIs with 109. Philadelphia is averaging .246 at the plate, while opposing hitters are averaging .261. On Thursday, the Phillies will send Jason Vargas to the mound. The lefthander is 7-8 with an ERA of 4.40, 121 Ks and 58 BBs.
Anthony Rendon is leading the Nationals with a .322 batting average, in hits with 173, and in RBIs with 124. Juan Soto leads in home runs with 34. The Nationals are averaging .263 at the plate, while opposing hitters are averaging .246. On Thursday, the Nationals will send Stephen Strasburg to the mound. The right-hander is 17-6 and ERA of 3.37, 241 Ks and 56 BBs.
