Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies:
The Philadelphia Phillies have owned the best win percentage in the National League throughout much of the season and entered Friday back in command of this moniker. They look to improve that win percentage even more on Saturday when they host the Washington Nationals.
Cristopher Sanchez gets the start for Philadelphia. Sanchez has a 3.62 ERA with 7.1 strikeouts per nine innings, but he leads qualifying pitchers in fewest home runs allowed per nine innings for a 2.76 fielding independent and has been at his best at home.
Sanchez has a 2.32 ERA in Philadelphia with one home run allowed in 77 2/3 innings compared to a 5.53 ERA with three home runs allowed in 53 2/3 innings this season.
Countering on the mound for Washington is MacKenzie Gore, who has pitched better than his 7-10 record with a 4.50’ERA would indicate.
Gore has a 3.70 fielding independent with 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings while surrendering 0.8 home runs per nine innings with only four home runs allowed in 47 2/3 innings on the road last season.
Both teams have struggled recently in their respective bullpens. The Nationals post a 4.56 bullpen ERA since July 1, which ranks 21st in the league, while the Phillies’ bullpen are 27th with a 5.61 ERA in this span.
The Phillies made a few moves at the trade deadline to improve the bullpen with Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez both being traded after having ERAs above 4.00. Tanner Banks of the Chicago White Sox and Carlos Estevez of the Los Angeles Angels have taken their spots.
With the Nationals last in the league in home runs and having to face both Sanchez and a revamped Phillies bullpen, runs will be scarce in Philadelphia on Saturday.
MLB Pick: Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Under 9 Runs
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