Phillies at Nationals: Preview of NL East Showdown

The Phillies head back east and will play the role of visitors when the Washington Nationals open up their 2009 home schedule.

The Phillies took their first series victory in Colorado over the weekend and look to not become the first victim of the Nationals in 2009. The Nationals enter the game as the last major league team still seeking their first win.

Jamie Moyer will take the mound for the Phillies, looking for his first win. In Moyer's last game the Phillies lost by a score of 4-0. Moyer gave up a lead-off home run and was charged with all four runs. The elder on the pitching staff is 1-4 in his career against the Nationals (and Expos) with a 2.38 ERA. Moyer went 3-0 against the Nationals in 2008.

The Nationals will send Daniel Cabrera to the mound.

Phillies Record: 3-3
Nationals Record: 0-6

NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind):

1. Marlins 5-1, -
   
2. Braves 5-1, -
   
3. Mets 3-3, 2
   
4. PHILLIES 3-3, 2
   
5. Nationals 0-6, 5

NL East Power Rankings

1. Marlins
2. Braves
3. PHILLIES
4. Mets
5. Nationals
   

Pitching probables: Moyer (0-1, 7.20 ERA) vs. De La Rosa (0-1, 7.50 ERA)

TV: Comcast Sportsnet

First pitch: 3:05 pm

Game open thread will be posted at 2:30pm. Game recap will be up tomorrow morning. Also, to refresh your memory on the Nationals, read the team preview that was posted earlier withe the help of Federal Baseball.

This was originally posted on Macho Row.