Nationals ace Max Scherzer has given up a combined eight earned runs in his last two starts. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
It’s official. Today’s game one loss against the Nationals means the Phillies are eliminated from postseason contention. Both expectations and hopes were high coming into this season. Many believed the playoffs were a guarantee after Bryce Harper signed with the team during Spring Training. The goal now has shifted to finishing over .500 for the first time since 2011.
Gabe Kapler specifically mentioned a few moments ago in his postgame interview that the goal tonight is to get a win for Aaron Nola. He’ll face Max Scherzer for the third time in the last two seasons. Nola outdueled Scherzer in a 2-0 win against the Nationals on Aug 23rd, 2018 at Nationals Park. About a week later, the Phillies ace earned a no-decison in a 5-4 loss at Citizens Bank Park.
Nola and Scherzer are looking to rebound after recent struggles. Both starters are coming off losses in which they have given up five earned runs.
Here’s everything you need to know for game two of the doubleheader…
Nationals Lineup
- Trea Turner, short stop
- Adam Eaton, right field
- Anthony Rendon, third base
- Juan Soto, left field
- Asdrúbal Cabrera, second base
- Matt Adams, first base
- Victor Robles, center field
- Yan Gomes, catcher
- Max Scherzer, pitcher
Phillies Lineup
- César Hernández, second base
- Logan Morrison, first base
- Jean Segura, short stop
- Brad Miller, left field
- Scott Kingery, center field
- Adam Haseley, right field
- Maikel Franco, third base
- Andrew Knapp, catcher
- Aaron Nola, pitcher
Shibe Vintage Sports Starting Pitching Matchup
- Aaron Nola (12-6, 3.75 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 3.83 xFIP) vs. Max Scherzer (10-7, 2.81 ERA, 2.37 FIP, 2.92 xFIP)
- Nola has struggled against Washington this season. He has a 6.46 ERA and 7.00 FIP in two starts.
- Scherzer is 1-1 with a 0.75 ERA and 1.89 FIP in two starts against the Phillies in 2019.
Pregame Phillies Nuggets
Kapler had this to say when asked about his job status. He tried to avoid the question by focusing on tonight’s game, but he ultimately had this to say:
We have games to play left. Like I said, there’s going to be plenty of opportunity to reflect. I love this organization. I love this team specifically. I love working for this front office. I love working for this ownership group. And look, I’m going to manage this club as long as I can. Because I think I give us a great chance to win and I think because I care deeply about the success of this franchise.
- Nola is 0-3 with a 4.84 ERA, giving up four home runs and striking out 40 in his six game winless streak.
- Rhys Hoskins will have to wait another day to break his long hitless streak. He is 0-for-17 with 10 strikeouts against Scherzer in his career. Kapler opted to take him out of the lineup for the nightcap.
Ticket IQ Programming Information
- 7:05 at Nationals Park
- NBC Sports Philadelphia
- Sportsradio 94 WIP; WTTM 1680 (Spanish)
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