Friday, September 5, 2014

Nationals Park in Washington D.C.

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, Jerome Williams (5 - 5, 5.23 ERA) takes the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies as they square off against Stephen Strasburg (11 - 10, 3.49 ERA) and the Washington Nationals. Williams makes his 7^th start and 33^rd appearance as Strasburg makes his 30^th start.

Jerome Williams picked up his 3^rd straight victory in his last outing. In the win, Williams gave up 2 runs and 4 hits in 6.1 innings. He walked 3 and struck out 3. Since the Phillies claimed Williams off of waivers from the Texas Rangers, he has been impressive. He is 3 -0 with a 2.03 ERA in 4 starts and certainly doesn't look like a man pitching for his 3^rd team this season. Last season, Williams posted a record of 9 - 10 with a 4.57 ERA in 25 starts and 12 relief appearances for the Los Angeles Angels.

Williams didn't face the Nationals last season and only has a relief appearance against them this season. The 8 Nationals that have faced him before are batting .304 with 7 hits and an RBI in 23 at-bats.

Stephen Strasburg turned in another solid effort in his last outing and it earned him the victory. Strasburg gave up just a run (on a solo homer) and 6 hits in 7.2 innings of work. He struck out 8 without issuing any free passes. In the last few weeks, Strasburg has pitched some great outings and some bad ones too. That's why he is 4 - 4 in his last 10 starts. In 2013, Strasburg finished the year with an 8 - 9 record and a 3.00 ERA in 30 starts.

Strasburg went 2 - 0 with a 0.39 ERA in 3 starts against the Phillies last season. This season, Strasburg is 2 - 0 in 4 starts against Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends

Philadelphia Phillies are 72-56-11 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Philadelphia Phillies is -0.4

Washington Nationals Betting Trends

Washington Nationals are 69-57-12 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Washington Nationals is 0.8

Injuries to Watch

Philadelphia Phillies

08/01/14 P Cliff Lee Elbow 15-day DL (7/31), out for season
06/20/14 3B Reid Brignac Ankle 15-day DL (6/20)

Washington Nationals

08/11/14 RF Steven Souza Shoulder 15-day DL (8/10)
08/07/14 P Taylor Jordan Elbow 60-day DL (8/5)
08/05/14 LF Nate McLouth Shoulder 60-day DL (8/2); out for season
07/25/14 P Matt Purke Elbow 60-day DL (7/25)
07/23/14 LF Ryan Zimmerman Hamstring 15-day DL (7/22)
03/29/14 P Ross Ohlendorf Back 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Erik Davis Elbow 60-day DL (2/13)

Tony's Pick: Take Washington

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