Writer: Kevin Durso
Phillies face Nationals for first time with Kendrick starting
There is only one division foe the Phillies have not faced as of yet. That team is the Washington Nationals.
Coming off a series win against the Marlins to open an eight-game road trip, the Phillies (23-24) have a chance to return to .500. To do that, they need to win the series opener against the Nationals (24-23).
Kyle Kendrick (4-2, 2.82 ERA) will start for the Phillies. Kendrick suffered the loss in his last start, a 10-0 Phillies' loss to the Reds, despite allowing only four of the runs in seven innings. Kendrick was 2-2 against the Nationals with a 2.89 ERA in 2012. In his career against the Nationals, Kendrick is 4-5 with a 4.68 ERA. At Nationals Park, he is 2-1 with a 4.36 ERA.
The Phillies will face right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (7-2, 1.62 ERA). Zimmermann lost his last start to the Padres, allowing only two runs – one earned – in eight innings. Zimmemann was 1-2 with a 3.71 ERA against the Phillies in 2012. In his career against the Phillies, Zimmermann is 1-4 with a 5.06 ERA. At Nationals Park, Zimmermann is 16-13 with a 3.46 ERA.
Game Notes:
- Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard both have hit home runs off Zimmermann in their careers. Howard has two career RBI and Rollins has three off Zimmermann as well.
- The Phillies are trying to get to .500 for the first time since they were 6-6 on April 14.
- The Phillies have posted a 3-0-3 record – three wins, three splits – in their last six series.
Phillies lineup
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Ben Revere CF
- Michael Young 3B
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Delmon Young RF
- Domonic Brown LF
- Freddy Galvis 2B
- Erik Kratz C
- Kyle Kendrick P
Kyle Kendrick will start tonight's game.
Nationals lineup
- Denard Span CF
- Bryce Harper RF
- Ryan Zimmerman 3B
- Adam LaRoche 1B
- Ian Desmond SS
- Kurt Suzuki C
- Tyler Moore LF
- Steve Lombardozzi 2B
- Jordan Zimmermann P
Jordan Zimmermann will start tonight's game.
TV: CSN
Radio: 94 WIP/1210 WPHT
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.