Gameday: Nationals (93-60) vs. Phillies (77-76)

Washington Nationals (93-60) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (77-76)

Ross Detwiler (10-6, 3.10) vs. Cole Hamels (15-6, 3.05)

Time: 7:05 PM, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 65
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Just nine games remain for the Phillies before they head home for what will surely be a long winter. They’ll finish out their home schedule with three games against the Washington Nationals, who can clinch a division title this week. Their magic number is five.

As for the Phillies, Roy Halladay will likely make a start on Saturday, according to pitching coach Rich Dubee. Doc will throw a bullpen session tomorrow and if it goes off without a hitch, he’ll make that final start of the season. Whether or not that’s the way to go is for another time.

Still no word yet on if or when Chase Utley will get a start at third base. Everyone seems pretty serious about this happening, so keep an eye out for it. Charlie Manuel said it’s completely up to him on whether or not he feels comfortable enough to take the hot corner, something he hasn’t done since his days in the minor leagues.

Your Gameday Beer – Dogfish Head Punkin’ Ale

Cant say it’s my favorite pumpkin beer in the world, but you could do worse. Beer Advocate rates it an 88, which is quite high. It’s a little too spicy for my liking, but many friends of mine swear by it. Truly, it gives me heartburn and I can’t drink more than one. But if pumpkin and spice are your thing, this is for you. – Pat Gallen

GO PHILLIES!

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.