Series Preview: Phillies at Nationals, 9/27-9/29

Already locked into a guaranteed playoff spot, the Phillies (93-63) stand just one win, or one Braves loss, away from clinching a team record 4th straight division title. Some have pointed out that it would be fitting to do it in game 1 of this week's series in Washington, as it would be the exact way the Phillies began the 2010 campaign, with Roy Halladay on the mound against the Nationals (67-89).

Washington will counter with lefty John Lannan, who has a 7.27 ERA in 2 home starts this season against Philadelphia.

Jimmy Rollins is expected to start at short stop for the Phillies for the first time since September 8th. Rollins has been sidelined in recent weeks with a hamstring issue. Rollins returned to action on Sunday, going 0-for-1 as a pinch hitter and playing the field.

The Phillies have won 10 of the 15 meetings with Washington to date this season. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and tons more information.

Monday, 7:05pm. Roy Haladay (20-10, 2.53 ERA) vs. John Lannan (8-7, 4.56 ERA). In 11 career games against Washington, Halladay is 7-1 with a 2.20 ERA. In Halladay's last 5 starts, he has posted a 4-1 record with a 4.41 ERA. Adam Dunn is 4-for-12 (.333 avg) with a homerun in his career against Halladay. In 10 career starts against the Phillies, Lannan is 0-7 with a 6.06 ERA. In his last 5 starts, Lannan is 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA. Raul Ibanez is 8-for-12 (.667 avg) with 2 HR in his career against Lannan.

Tuesday, 7:05pm. Roy Oswalt (13-13, 2.80 ERA) vs. Jason Marquis (2-9, 7.18 ERA). Oswalt is 6-4 with a 2.27 ERA and a .199 batting avg. against in 13 road starts this season. In his last 7 starts, Oswalt has posted a 5-0 record with a 1.07 ERA. Nyjer Morgan is 6-for-18 (.333 avg) against Oswalt in his career. In his last 5 starts, Marquis is 2-2 with a 5.25 ERA. In 6 home starts this season, Marquis has a record of 0-5 with a 7.57 ERA. Marquis has a 5-7 record and a 5.60 ERA in 23 games against the Phillies. Chase Utley is 12-for-25 (.480 avg) in his career against Marquis.

Wednesday, 7:05pm. Joe Blanton (8-6, 4.94 ERA) vs. Ross Detwiler (1-2, 2.52 ERA). In 12 road starts this season, Blanton is 3-4 with a 5.82 ERA. Blanton has not lost since July 21st. Ivan Rodriguez is 4-5 against Joe Blanton this season. In 23 Major League games, the righty Detwiler is 2-8 with a 4.34 ERA. Jimmy Rollins is 6-for-9 (.667 avg) with 3 doubles in his career against Detwiler.

In 19 September games this season, Wilson Valdez has posted a .328 batting average.

Raul Ibanez is a career .327 hitter with 11 HR in 40 games played against the Nationals. In 23 September games this season, Ibanez has posted a .341 avg.

Ryan Zimmerman is batting .347 with 7 doubles and 2 homers in 13 games against the Phillies this season. Zimmerman may miss the series with a rib injury.

Former Phillie Joe Bisenius has allowed 1 earned run and struck out 3 batters in 4 innings of work, since being added as a September call up by Washington.

Ian Desmond is a .338 hitter with 5 doubles, 1 triple and 2 homeruns in 18 career games against the Phillies.

Phillies Team ERA- 3.72

Nationals Team ERA- 4.13

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Photo- Associated Press

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