WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 24: Starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals works the first inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on May 24, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Washington Nationals will host the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night, and here is what you need to know.
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.
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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.
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