Phillies-Nationals Preview

The Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals will meet on the field at Nationals Park on Thursday in a battle of division rivals. The Phillies will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Kyle Kendrick in this game. Kendrick has a 8-5 record and a 4.70 ERA this season. Starting this game for the Nationals will be John Lannan. The lefthander has a 3.33 ERA to go along with a 6-10 record this season. NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 132-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Shane Victorino homered and drove in three runs on Wednesday, as the Phillies scored five runs in the fifth inning to defeat the Nationals 8-5. The 13 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (8.5). Chase Utley belted a two-run homer for the Phillies, and Pat Burrell drove in two runs. Jamie Moyer allowed three runs over six innings to earn the win. Jesus Flores hit a two-run home run for the Nationals, who were +125 underdogs. Tim Redding surrendered seven runs over four innings to get charged with the loss. Current streak: Philadelphia has won 4 straight games. Washington has lost 8 straight games. Team records: Philadelphia: 58-49 SU Washington: 38-69 SU Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Thursday are 3-7 Before playing St. Louis are 7-3 After playing Washington are 7-3 After a win are 6-4 Washington most recently: When playing on Thursday are 7-3 Before playing Cincinnati are 4-6 After playing Philadelphia are 4-6 After a loss are 1-9 A few trends to consider: Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games Next up: Philadelphia at St. Louis, Friday, August 1 Washington home to Cincinnati, Friday, August 1