Phillies Open Weekend Series In D.C. Tonight

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- The Phillies return to the diamond tonight, opening a weekend series in Washington D.C. against the Nationals.

The Phillies are 64-75 this season and coming off taking two of three from the Braves down in Atlanta. The Nationals are 79-59 and they currently enjoy a 7 game lead in National League East. However, the last time these teams met in late August in South Philadelphia, the Phillies swept a three-game series.

Jerome Williams will start for the Phillies tonight. The veteran right-hander has been outstanding since the Phillies picked him up off waivers last month. In four starts with the Phils, Williams is 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA. Last time out against the Mets on Saturday, he allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings, earning a 7-2 win.

The Nationals will counter with right-hander Stephen Strasburg. He is 11-10 this season. He has been dominant against the Phillies here in 2014, going 2-0 in 4 starts against them, with a 1.40 ERA.

Phillies line-up tonight against Strasburg:

1. Ben Revere                  CF
2. Jimmy Rollins               SS
3. Chase Utley                  2B
4. Ryan Howard                1B
5. Marlon Byrd                  RF
6. Domonic Brown            LF
7. Carlos Ruiz                   C
8. Maikel Franco               3B
9. Jerome WIlliams           P

KYW's Matt Leon spoke with Corey Seidman of Phillies Nation and CSNPhilly.com to talk about tonight's match-up and what to look for during the season's final month.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

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