Phillies Go For Second Straight Win Vs. Nationals
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – After taking a 6-3 decision over Washington in the opener of this three game series, the Phillies will give the ball to Kyle Kendrick tonight as they look for a second straight win over the National league East leaders.
The Phillies are 78-76 on the season and still mathematically alive in the postseason race. They are 5 1/2 games behind St. Louis for the second wildcard, but with just eight games left to play, the chances of a sixth straight postseason in Philadelphia are remote at best.
As for Kendrick, he is 10-11 on the season and he has been very good down the stretch. The right-hander is 5-2 in his last seven starts with a 2.17 ERA.
The Nationals will counter with lefty John Lannan who has struggled against the Phillies to say the least in his career. He is 2-12 in 17 career starts against the Fightins' with a 5.79 ERA. Lannan has made just four starts overall here in 2012, going 3-0.
The Phillies line-up for this one is posted and it includes Darin Ruf for a second straight night:
1. Rollins SS
2. Mayberry CF
3. Utley 2B
4. Howard 1B
5. Ruiz C
6. Brown RF
7. Ruf LF
8. Frandsen 3B
9. Kendrick P
KYW's Matt Leon spoke with Corey Seidman of PhilliesNation about tonight's game.
LISTEN: Matt Leon interviews Corey Seidman
You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.