August 17, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas (18) after hitting an RBI single within the sixth inning towards the Washington Nationals at Residents Financial institution Park react. Necessary Credit score: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports activities The Washington Nationals have struggled of their first three video games and hope to keep away from a four-game sweep by the host Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
Philadelphia beats the Nationals by a mixed rating of 21-6 within the sequence, together with a 5-1 win on Saturday.
The Phillies have gained eight of 9 video games towards Washington this season, together with six straight.
Christopher Sanchez pitched his second profession full sport on Saturday to steer the Phillies to their fourth straight victory.
The Nationals suffered a four-game dropping streak and allowed two hits, together with a solo dwelling run by Alex Cowher.
“Our offense did not present it,” Washington head coach David Martinez mentioned. “We could not get something going. I do know Sanchez was mixing up his pitches. For probably the most half, he stored the ball down. We could not get something going offensively.”
Washington starter Mackenzie Gore pitched properly within the early innings on Saturday earlier than the Phillies chased him within the sixth.
“We’re getting our butts kicked proper now, and it isn’t enjoyable,” Gore mentioned. “One other day the place I wasn’t ok to win. I believed I used to be higher at some issues, however we ended up giving up 5 factors. Higher at some issues, however nonetheless fairly irritating.”
Sunday’s sport will characteristic two right-handers, Washington’s Jake Owen (9-10, 3.72 ERA) towards Philadelphia’s Tajuan Walker (3-4, 5.68).
Irving will look to construct on a powerful efficiency on Tuesday, when he allowed two runs in six innings in a 9-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles.
The 27-year-old Irving is 0-2 with a 4.24 ERA in three profession begins towards Philadelphia, together with 0-2 with a 4.24 ERA in two 11-inning outings this season. 6.55.
Walker will make his second begin since happening the injured checklist on June 22 with irritation of his proper index finger.
The Phillies are hoping Walker can produce high quality video games over the ultimate six weeks of the season.
“When he will get on the courtroom, he generally is a power,” Philadelphia head coach Rob Thomson mentioned. “We noticed that final 12 months for some time and hopefully we perceive that as a result of earlier within the 12 months when he wasn’t coming into his personal, he gave us 5 innings together with his guts. “
Walker, 32, has made six profession begins towards the Wizards, going 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA.
Philadelphia’s beginning rotation may get a lift as early as subsequent weekend with the return of All-Star left-hander Suarez, who has been sidelined since July 27 with decrease again soreness.
Thomson was optimistic after Suarez threw 57 pitches in Saturday’s simulated sport.
“His pitch depend has elevated,” Thomson mentioned. “Ninety-one (mph) is pace, which is admittedly good for a simulation sport. This stuff are actually good and get higher as the sport goes on. We’ll see how he does the subsequent day. Do away with it or two.
Philadelphia third baseman Alec Boehm prolonged his hitting streak to a career-high 34 video games on Saturday, the longest such streak within the majors.
Over his previous 22 video games, Boehm is batting .310 (27-for-87) with 13 extra-base hits and 14 RBIs.
–Scene-level media
