Game two of three in Citizens Bank Ballpark, Philadelphia, PA features:
Matt Chico (6-9, 4.75) vs Adam Eatone (10-9, 6.33)
The Philadelphia Phillies are in sole possession of first place today with two games left in the season and a one game lead over New York. The Mets, in fact, find themselves temporarily out of the Playoffs, as they are now tied with Colorado one game behind the San Diego Padres.
The Washington Nationals couldn't hit anything Cole Hamels was throwing last night, and to the towel-waving approval of the Philadelphia bandwagon, Hamels pitched like the ace of the team in a huge win for the city and it's Phillies. (15-5) after 8 innings of 6 hit shutout ball, Hamels struck out 13 while walking only 1, and lowered his ERA to 3.39 on the season.
In the second of the three game season-ending series, which will be nationally broadcast on FOX, the Nationals will face Philly starter Adam Eaton, who they saw just last week in DC, and managed to tag the righty for 5 hits and 3 runs in 5.0 innings of a 6-3 Phillies win. Eaton's (1-0) in 6 career starts against Washington with a 4.89 ERA in 35.0 innings pitched.
Nationals starter Matt Chico hasn't faced Philadelphia since July 25th, when he gave up 6 hits and 4 runs over 4.2 innings in Citizens Bank Ballpark, walking three and K'ing 2 in a 7-5 Nationals loss. Chico earned no decision in that game, and the Nationals rookie lefty is (1-6) in 13 road starts this season.
Washington had won three straight before last night's loss and they were indirectly responsible for Philadelphia's ascension before getting directly involved last evening. Philadelphia does not look like they are going to lose anymore this season. But how much faith do they put in Eaton on the mound? Eaton's only win since July 20th is against the Nationals though...
It's too late in the season for the numbers to decide it...it's all about density now...er, uh, I meant destiny...