Gameday: Phillies (52-64) at Nationals (56-60)

Philadelphia Phillies (52-64) vs Washington Nationals (56-60)

Kyle Kendrick (10-8, 4.36) vs Stephen Strasburg (5-9, 3.01)

Time: 5:05, Nationals Park
TV: PHL 17
Weather: 85, chance of storms
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Kyle Kendrick began the season red hot.  It was like he transformed into a completely different pitcher, but he has now returned to his old ways.  Kendrick has struggled since June, as he is 3-4 with a 6.93 ERA in his last seven starts (37.2 IP).  He’s coming off another poor start, where he allowed four runs in six innings against the Cubs.

Don’t  let Stephen Strasburg’s record fool you.  He has nine losses, but in Philadelphia terms he would be victim to the “Cole Hamels/Cliff Lee syndrome” —  a lack of run support.   He’s been just as good, if not better, than he was last season before he was shut down.  His strikeout average has decreased, but averaging about a strikeout per inning is still pretty good.

 Go Phillies!