By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Phillies will open their final home series of the 2012 regular season tonight as they welcome Washington to Citizens Bank Park for the first of three.

While still mathematically alive, it is looking more and more like the Phillies will miss the postseason for the first time since 2006.  With just nine games left to play, the 77-76 Phillies find themselves 5 1/2 games out of wildcard playoff slot in the National League.

Cole Hamels will get the start for the Phillies tonight.  The left-hander is 15-6 here in 2012 with a 3.05 ERA.   In his career, Hamels has done some of his best work against the Nationals franchise – going 12-5 in 23 starts with a 2.48 ERA.  That includes 2-1, 1.17 in three starts in 2012.

The Nationals will counter with left-hander Ross Detwiler who is 10-6.  Washington’s magic number for clinching National League East is down to five.

KYW’s Matt Leon spoke with Mandy Housenick of the Allentown Morning Call, to get her thoughts on the Phils.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.