Gameday: Nationals (93-61) vs. Phillies (78-76)

Washington Nationals (93-61) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (78-76)

John Lannan (3-0, 4.43) vs. Kyle Kendrick (10-11, 3.89)

Time: 7:05 PM, Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 60
Media: Twitter and Facebook

We’re down to just eight games left in the season, and only two on the home schedule. If you haven’t been to a game yet, now is the time. Just a wear a jacket, it’s getting chilly.

It’s another lefty on the mound for the Nationals, John Lannan. You know him well. He’s plunked a Phillie or two over the years and has turned into the replacement for a shelved-Stephen Strasburg.

For the Phillies, Kyle Kendrick gets the ball and looks to finish the season off strong. It’s been a positive second half for Kendrick and with a couple of good starts to end 2012, he could play himself into a full-time role in the rotation.

The Nationals magic number remains at five to win the East. Also, Roy Halladay

is slated to start on Saturday after having a positive bullpen session. It will his final start of 2012.

Your Gameday Beer – Post Road Pumpkin Ale

This pumkin ale is more my speed. It doesn’t have that strong hit of allspice and nutmeg that sends my chest into freakout mode. It’s much more subdued. Post Road, made by Brooklyn Brewery, is called a beginners pumpkin beer by the smart-asses on Beer Advocate. Well, consider me beginning to drink one.  – Pat Gallen

GO PHILLIES!