The Philadelphia Phillies (93-63) have the chance to clinch the National League East title for the third time in four years against the Nats (67-89). It would also be their fourth in a row. The Nats would love to stop them this time, but even a sweep is unlikely to do so. One more loss by the Atlanta Braves would also let the Phillies clinch. The Braves (87-69) are playing at home against Florida tonight,
It doesn’t hurt that Philadelphia can turn to ace Roy Halladay (20-10, 2.53 ERA). He opposes John Lannan (8-7, 4.58 ERA), who turn 26 today. Trying to wade through the Phillies lineup seems like a pretty weak birthday present – akin to spending the day hanging out at the DMV. But Lannan will want to make the most of this chance. Because Washington has gone to a six-man rotation for the final two weeks of the season this will be Lannan’s last start of a roller coaster 2010.
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“Obviously it’s not the greatest feeling,” Nats manager Jim Riggleman said of watching a rival team celebrate in front of you. “But you just respect them for what they’ve accomplished and realize that’s who you’re trying to catch. That’s where you’ve got to try to get to. I think we’ve played them really tough all year.”
The Phillies clinched their first two N.L. East titles at home against the Nats. Plenty of Philadelphia fans on hand here. A bunch of them have been standing behind the visitor’s dugout for the last hour and cheering every Phillies player who happens to run out of the dugout. Keep an eye on the weather, too, tonight. Still a good chance of rain and even thunderstorms throughout the evening. Will keep you posted if there’s any delays. Here are the lineups:
Phillies:
Victorino – CF
Polanco – 3B
Utley – 2B
Howard – 1B
Werth – RF
Ibanez – LF
Ruiz – C
Valdez – SS
Halladay – P
Nationals:
Espinosa – 2B
Morgan – CF
Desmond – SS
Dunn – 1B
Morse – RF
Bernadina – LF
Ramos – C
Gonzalez – 3B
Lannan – P
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