The Nationals made the short-trip up to Philadelphia for their last series in this grueling 20 day schedule without a day off. The Nationals play 3 games in Philadelphia then will travel to New York City on Wednesday night where they will get a rare off-day on the road.
Tonight the Phillies will start Jake Thompson against the Nationals’ Tanner Roark. It is a good match-up for Tanner Roark as he knows these Phillies’ hitters, and the Nationals have never faced Thompson before. Thompson has a 9.78 ERA in his 4 career starts, and Thompson has never gone past 5 innings. Thompson is a finesse pitcher who will throw both a four-seam and two-seam fastballs, and mix in change-ups and sliders and a few curveballs. The two-seamers and sliders are the balls to beat Thompson on. Also don’t be surprised if a Nats player smashes a curveball. Thompson’s slider is his best pitch but also his pitch that he hangs often.
Trea Turner could be the hottest rookie in baseball, and last night Jayson Werth spoke highly of his teammate. “Don’t tell anybody, but I think he’s our secret weapon,” Jayson Werth said.
Next Thursday September 8th, Captain Morgan will be at Nationals Park for their push for a constitutional amendment to allow a President of the United States to be younger than 35 years old. Bryce Harper for President anyone? Sign the petition here. It might also be a good night for TalkNat’rs to meet after the game for some Captain Morgan rum!
Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies
Stadium: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN2, CSN-Philadelphia, MLB.tv
Line-ups (subject to change without notice):
- Trea Turner CF
- Jayson Werth LF
- Daniel Murphy 2B
- Bryce Harper RF
- Anthony Rendon 3B
- Wilson Ramos C
- Clint Robinson 1B
- Danny Espinosa SS
- Tanner Roark RHP
