Phillies vs. Nationals Preview: Pitching Matchup and Props for Sept. 15

While they managed to bounce back and avoid a sweep, the Phillies missed their last, best chance at gaining ground in the NL East race when they dropped two of three games against the Atlanta Braves over the weekend. The Phillies (83-67) will return to action in Washington, D.C. against the Nationals (70-81) at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, Roberto Clemente Day.

They’re 4.5 games behind the Braves with 12 games to play and currently possess the second wild card spot in the National League, dueling the Chicago Cubs (0.5 games ahead) for first place and trying to maintain their cushion over the Padres (one game behind) and the Diamondbacks (2.5 games behind). Chicago and Atlanta are playing each other this week, so a strong showing one way or the other could help the Phillies gain major ground.

The forecast calls for a first pitch temperature around 75 degrees. Humidity will start around a comfortable 50 percent, tracking up toward 65 percent as the game goes on, while a five to ten mile per hour cross breeze out of the southeast shouldn’t have a major impact on how the ball flies.

NBC Sports Philadelphia holds the broadcasting rights for this matchup, as per usual. Phillies star left-hander Cristopher Sánchez (2.79 ERA, 187.1 innings pitched, 1.21 WHIP and 10.09 K/9) will duel Nationals southpaw Jackson Kent (6.59 ERA, 27.1 innings pitched, 1.83 WHIP and 7.57 K/9), a rookie with six big league starts to his name.

Pitching Matchup

This will mark Kent’s first career start against the Phillies. He’s posted similar numbers against lefties and righties this season, so the Phillies’ lefty-heavy lineup shouldn’t face a significant disadvantage against him at the plate. The Nationals do a solid job of getting on base against Sánchez, walking nine times and picking up 26 hits in 106 career plate appearances (.263 batting average). Sánchez has managed to keep the ball out of the air, however, the only home run allowed coming from reserve outfielder Andrew Pinckney.

Without a track record to rely on between Kent and the Phillies, prospective bettors could back Sánchez’s strikeouts total: he fans the Nationals in 22.6 percent of plate appearances. Outfielder Jacob Young (5-for-13) and shortstop C.J. Abrams (6-for-22) have the most experience against Sánchez for those willing to bet against the Fightins.