Nationals Vs. Phillies preview: Game time, TV schedule, probable pitchers

The Washington Nationals hit the road to play the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game set with an NL East title within their sights.

For the Nationals, the foot is mainly off the pedal, as they've already clinched a postseason berth and have a magic number of five in the NL East with nine games remaining. A late-season run had the Phillies hopeful, but they're now 5.5 games back of the final NL Wild Card slot, which makes a comeback hypothetically possible but extremely unlikely considering how many teams are in between them and the postseason.

Tuesday night's season opener features a pair of impressive starters: Cole Hamels is obviously the Phillies' ace, having turned in his typical 15-6 record and 3.05 ERA this season. Ross Detwiler isn't the best starter the Nats have, but he's had a great season posting a 3.10 ERA and has only allowed two combined runs in his last two starts, winning his last three decisions.

The game will be available on MASN in Washington and Comcast Sports Net Phiadelphia in Philly.

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