When the Philadelphia Phillies come to town they (and their fans) always seem to be a pain in the neck of the Washington Nationals (and their fans). The visiting NL East rivals always seem to case a fever, however the Nationals might have the prescription: more Livan Hernandez.
Hernandez (7-11, 4.21 ERA) can be labeled a "Phillies Killer" if there ever was one. The Cuban workhorse has a career 3.54 ERA in 31 starts against the Phillies and is 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 2011 against them. His last outing was with the NL East leaders and he pitched spectacularly allowing one unearned run on four hits in 6 innings. On Friday night he will be looking to duplicate that success and will have the same opponent in Roy Oswalt (5-7, 3.84 ERA).
The Nationals will be without first baseman Michael Morse who was given the night off and who has been seen putting ice on a sore elbow where he recently got hit by a pitch. Outfielder Laynce Nix will be taking over first bag duties. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will be looking to reach base safely Friday night to extend his streak to 25 straight games of getting on base.
First pitch is set for 7:05 P.M.
Nationals Line-Up:
Ian Desmond – SS
Rick Ankiel – CF
Ryan Zimmerman – 3B
Laynce Nix – 1B
Jayson Werth – RF
Danny Espinosa – 2B
Jonny Gomes – LF
Wilson Ramos – C
Livan Hernandez – SP