Gamethread 9/2: Nationals @ Phillies

The Phillies are officially on a tear. They’ve won 7 of their last 8, the offense is as consistent as it’s been in a long, long while, and their 1-2 punch in the rotation is doing exactly what it was designed to — dominating.

The second half of that 1-2 punch starts on the mound tonight: it’s Zack Wheeler day.

Zack Wheeler hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in a start since August 24th, 2019 — over a full year ago.

Since that start, he’s put up a remarkable line:

78.1 IP, 2.19 ERA, 15 BB, 62 K, 1.15 WHIP

He has been absolutely dynamite, and will look to continue this streak versus the Nationals tonight.

The catch here is, historically, Zack Wheeler has had some serious trouble when facing the Nats throughout his career.

In 18 starts against Washington, he has a 5.01 ERA and a troubling 88:45 K:BB ratio.

Tonight will be a big test for him, especially facing ‘Mad’ Max Scherzer.

Scherzer has done well thus far in 2020 — though he’s certainly not been the impenetrable fortress of a pitcher that we’ve seen in years past.

He’s rocking a 3.86 ERA across 7 starts this year, but has battled various discomforts and ailments along the way. He’ll look to shut down a burning Phillies offense — which he’s always seemed to do every time we’ve seen him over these many seasons.

Here’s how both teams are lining up for tonight’s 7:05 start: