Phillies Vs. Nationals (Aug. 22) Game Preview: Time Start, Channel, Starting Pitchers

The Washington Nationals will host the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night, and here is what you need to know.

Nationals vs. Phillies Preview

This will be the second game of a three-game series. It’s do or die for the Nationals (63-63) at this point, as they are hoping to pass the .500 mark in order to reach the playoffs. Washington has lost six of its last 10 contests, including a brutal 12-1 defeat to the Miami Marlins, although they beat Philadelphia 10-4 on Tuesday.

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The Phillies (68-57, .544) are second in the NL East, 5.5 games ahead of the third-place Nationals and two games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves (70-55). Philadelphia has only lost three straight games but was thrashed 24-4 by the New York Mets last week.

Stephen Strasburg (6-7, 3.90 ERA) will likely start for Washington on Wednesday against fellow right-hander Zach Eflin (9-4, 3.70 ERA). Strasburg — who boasts 101 strikeouts this season — will be making his first start since July 20. He was on the disabled list for about a month due to a neck injury. Eflin has struck out 91 batters this year.

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Wednesday’s game will start at 7:05 p.m. EST and will air on NBC Sports Philadelphia and MASN.