Open Thread...9/20/07 Phillies vs Nationals Game 1 of 4

Game one of four in RFK Stadium, Washington, DC features:

Kyle Lohse (8-12, 4.49) vs Jason Bergmann (5-5, 4.38)

     While the NL East's fourth place Washington Nationals were taking two of three at home in RFK Stadium from the Division leading New York Mets, the second place Philadelphia Phillies were in St. Louis taking two of three from the Cardinals to draw within 2.5 games of the NL East lead.

     In this four game weekend set, Washington plays the last games of the last homestand of the 2007 season, which will also be the the last Nationals games to be played at RFK before the Nationals move south down the Anacostia River to their new, so far unnamed stadium next season.

     The Nationals and Phillies season series stands at (7-4) in Philly's favor with seven more starting tonight in DC and finishing up with three next week in Philadelphia.

     Philadelphia throws right hander and former Cincy Red, Kyle Lohse, who is (0-1) in 3 career starts against the Nationals, during which he's allowed 20 hits and 13 runs in 17.1 innings, while striking out 10, walking 3, and surrendering 3 home runs to Brian Schneider, Dmitri Young and Ryan Church.

     Washington's right hander sinker baller Jason Bergmann has yet to beat the Phillies in his Major League career. (0-1) in six appearances, three of them starts, Bergmann's allowed 9 hits and 8 runs with 1 HR, 8 walks, and 16 K's in 21.1 innings pitched against Philadelphia.

     The last time Bergmann faced the Phillies he injured his hamstring trying to score on a hit and sliding in at home on a play at the plate. Bergmann missed over a month of the Nationals season in rehabilitation, but has won three of four starts since returning to the rotation, including two 7-4 wins against the Braves and a 6-3 win over Florida during which he's allowed 22 hits, 11 runs and 4 home runs over 25.2 innings pitched.

     While the Nationals and Phillies play, the Mets will face the Florida Marlins this weekend as the four teams decide the division in the last weeks of the season. Washington plays seven games against the Phillies and three more against New York, and will therefore play a pivotal role in deciding the race...

     That should make the last ten days of the 2007 season as exciting as possible for a fourth place team. Will anyone watch the Nationals?...Other than me that is?...