MLB Preview: Washington Nationals (16-12) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (13-13)

The division rival Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies are set to renew hostilities on Friday when they meet at Citizens Bank Park.



The Nationals will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Stephen Strasburg in this game. Strasburg has a 2-2 record and a 4.24 ERA this season.



Starting this game for the Phillies will be Cliff Lee. The lefthander has a 3.29 ERA to go along with a 3-2 record this season.



Oddsmakers currently have the Nationals listed as 101-moneyline favorites versus the Phillies, while the game's total is sitting at 6½.



Last time out for Washington, they were a 7-0 winner as they battled the Astros on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Nationals at -137 were rewarded,
while the 7 combined runs moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.



Current streak:
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Washington has won 2 straight games.
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Team records:
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Washington: 16-12 SU
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Philadelphia: 13-13 SU
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Washington most recently:
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When playing on Friday are 7-3
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Before playing Philadelphia are 7-3
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After playing Houston are 9-1
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After a win are 3-7
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Philadelphia most recently:
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When playing on Friday are 4-6
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Before playing Washington are 4-6
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After playing NY Mets are 2-8
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After a loss are 5-5
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A few trends to consider:
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The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
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Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
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The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
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Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
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The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
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The total has gone OVER in 12 of Philadelphia's last 17 games at home
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Philadelphia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
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Philadelphia is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games at home
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Next up:
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Philadelphia home to Washington, Saturday, May 3