The Philadelphia Phillies (17-13) close out their three-game series with the Washington Nationals (13-18) at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday evening, with the Phillies looking for the series sweep. Now on a four-game win streak, the Phils' five-game losing streak last week is well behind them. They enter play today 3.5 games behind the New York Mets for top spot in the NL East.
After a wild win on Tuesday, Wednesday's 7-2 victory was a normal affair. Left-hander Cristopher Sanchez made his return to the rotation after his injury scare last week. Despite a little trouble with command, he picked up his third win of the season, going five innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six and walking three.
The Phillies bats found some power as well. They parked three home runs, with Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Max Kepler all getting in on the act. Still, the offense has some work to do after finishing April with the seventh-fewest home runs (27) and a 17th-ranked .385 slugging percentage.
They'll get to enjoy more hitting at The Bank and more home cooking this weekend as they welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks for three games beginning on Friday.
Phillies vs. Nationals probable pitchers, May 1
- Taijuan Walker (1-2, 2.78 ERA, 20 SO) will start for the Phillies. The veteran right-hander left his last start after only three innings when the Chicago Cubs drove his pitch count up to 86. He will be looking to make a good impression on manager Rob Thomson in a bid to force the skipper into a six-man rotation and avoid being sent to the bullpen when Ranger Suárez is activated this weekend.
- Brad Lord (0-3, 4.67 ERA, 13 SO) will start for the Nationals. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 1.73 WHIP in seven games (four starts) this season. He gave up two runs on five hits over four innings of work in his last start against the New York Mets. Lord made one relief appearance against the Phillies on Opening Weekend, surrendering one run on one hit and two walks without registering an out.
Philadelphia Phillies starting lineup, May 1
- 1. 2B Bryson Stott
- 2. SS Trea Turner
- 3. 1B Bryce Harper
- 4. DH Kyle Schwarber
- 5. RF Nick Castellanos
- 6. LF Max Kepler
- 7. 3B Alec Bohm
- 8. CF Johan Rojas
- 9. C Rafael Marchán
Washington Nationals starting lineup, May 1
- 1. SS CJ Abrams
- 2. LF James Wood
- 3. 1B Nathaniel Lowe
- 4. C Keibert Ruiz
- 5. 2B Luis García Jr.
- 6. DH Josh Bell
- 7. RF Dylan Crews
- 8. 3B José Tena
- 9. CF Jacob Young
What channel is the Philadelphia Phillies game on today?
- Game time: 6:45 p.m. ET.
- NBCSP will have the Phillies broadcast.
- The Nationals broadcast will be on MASN.
- MLB Network will carry a national broadcast (out-of-market only).
How do I stream the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
How can I listen to the Philadelphia Phillies game today?
- The Phillies broadcast will be on 94 WIP and WTTM 1680.
- Nationals fans can tune into the game on 106.7 The Fan and DC 87.7.