The Philadelphia Phillies have brooms on the brain as they take on the Washington Nationals on Thursday night with a chance to sweep their NL East rivals. Washington has not been swept in six weeks and has yet to lose a series to the Phillies this season.
Cole Hamels gets the call for Philadelphia. Atlanta got to him for five runs in his last start, a five-inning affair in which he issued six free passes. The start before that, against San Francisco, Hamels allowed three home runs. Pitching against Washington has been a successful endeavor for him this season, and could be just what he needs to get back on track. He lasted eight innings in both starts against Washington this season, winning each game, striking out 16 and allowing only nine hits.
Pitching for the Nationals is Ross Detwiler, making his first start of the season against Philly. Detwiler gave up four runs in a loss to Milwaukee in his last start.
Jimmy Rollins has three home runs in the series so far, including a pair of solo shots on Wednesday night that powered his team to a win. He has 6 hits in 15 at-bats against Detwiler, including three triples.
The game starts at 7:05 p.m. at Nationals Park. It will be broadcast on the MLB Network as well as CSN Philly.
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