Gameday: Phillies (8-3) at Nationals (5-6)

Philadelphia Phillies (8-3) at Washington Nationals (5-6)

Cliff Lee LHP ( 1-1, 7.84 ERA) vs. Jordan Zimmermann RHP ( 1-1, 3.18 ERA)

Time: 7:05, Nationals Park
Weather: Partly Sunny, 66
TV: CSN, MASN2 (VA viewers)
Twitter: Phillies Nation

While Cliff Lee (1-1, 7.84) has not faced the Nationals as much as his counterpart Roy Halladay, he has had similar success.  Lee is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA against Washington.  Last time Lee faced the Nats, in 2009, he threw six shutout innings and struck out nine.

The lefty will look to improve from his last outing where he allowed six runs on 10 hits and didn’t escape the fourth inning.  Against the Nats, it should not be hard.  Washington is hitting a mere .222 this season.  The Phillies still lead the National League in hitting a .316 clip.

They are anchored by pretty much everyone in the lineup top to bottom.  Ben Francisco has dipped below .300 to join Raul Ibanez as the only Phillies hitter not swinging above that mark.  Even John Mayberry Jr. and Pete Orr are celebrating successful at bats off the bench hitting .500 and .429, respectively.

Philadelphia will be facing off against the Nats young righty Jordan Zimmermann (1-1, 3.18).  Zimmermann, although still young, had Tommy John surgery August 2009 and looks to come back strong only starting seven games last season.  Against the Phillies he has made two starts going 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA.

Ryan Howard has two hits in four at bats against Zimmermann, including one home run.  His 34 homers against the Nats are tied for most against any team.

Lineup: Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Rollins SS, Howard 1B, Francisco RF, Ibanez LF, Ruiz C, Valdez 2B, Lee P

Your Gameday Beer – Whirlwind Witbier
Tonight we have a gentle offering by Victory. This classic German Witbier is supremely drinkable on any evening, especially a rainy one like today. The flavor is comprised by wheat malt and yeast with notes of orange zest, coriander, and clove. Essentially, it’s another more sophisticated version of Blue Moon, if you fancy those. If you can find some fresh shellfish, like a bushel of crabs, have that with it. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!