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That Balls Outta Here

Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Washington Nationals

By Mike Azzalina

May 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr (23) celebrates his three run home run in the dugout with teammates during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr (23) celebrates his three run home run in the dugout with teammates during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 8, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31), Nationals pitching coach Mike Maddux (51), and Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) watch play in the sixth inning during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31), Nationals pitching coach Mike Maddux (51), and Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) watch play in the sixth inning during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports /

The Team: Washington Nationals (SHOCKING)

I mean I do not really know what to write about the Nationals that Philadelphia fans don’t already know about the NL East-leading team from Washington. The main difference this time around is that Bryce Harper will be playing again.

Consider this, the Phillies had trouble with Washington…at home…without Adam Eaton and Harper. Now, they are in Washington for a weekend series and Harper is back. At home, he is hitting .317 this season with four homers. I am sure you all remember Easter Sunday when the phenom put one into orbit off Joaquin Benoit to win the game.

The Phils are currently sitting in third place, eight games behind the Nationals in the NL East. A few successful games would go a long way, not only in the standings but with the confidence of this very young Philadelphia team.

In the other dugout, the Nationals look to expand on their divisional lead this weekend. If they continue to hit the way that has led to them being tops in all of baseball in runs scored (209), it could be a long weekend for the Phillies’ already beleaguered pitching staff.

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