Game 35 lineups: Nats at Phillies

If you thought this road trip was brutal enough already for the fading Nationals, consider what still awaits: four games in three days against the Braves, starting with Friday's doubleheader in unincorporated Atlanta. So given what's still to come, today's series finale in Philadelphia would sure be a nice game to win, wouldn't it?

It's going to take a complete reversal of recent events for the Nationals to do it. They've got to string together hits, especially early, against Zach Eflin. Among the Nats hitters who have had success in small doses versus the right-hander: Juan Soto (5-for-12), Kurt Suzuki (3-for-8 with a homer) and Wilmer Difo (3-for-7). No, Difo is not in today's lineup. Adam Eaton, however, is batting leadoff for the first time this season as manager Davey Martinez tries to get somebody on base for Trea Turner and Soto.

And then the Nationals are going to need a better outing from Aníbal Sánchez, especially right out of the chute. The veteran right-hander has given up nine first-inning runs in six starts so far this season, with six doubles and three homers contributing to those ugly numbers. Given the potent bats the Phillies put at the top of their lineup, a strong bottom of the first is critical for Sánchez today.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 4:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Chance of storms late, 86 degrees, wind 7 mph out to center field

NATIONALS
RF Adam Eaton
SS Trea Turner
LF Juan Soto
1B Asdrúbal Cabrera
C Kurt Suzuki
3B Brock Holt
1B Eric Thames
2B Luis García
CF Victor Robles

RHP Aníbal Sánchez

PHILLIES
CF Roman Quinn
1B Rhys Hoskins
RF Bryce Harper
DH J.T. Realmuto
SS Didi Gregorius
2B Jean Segura
RF Jay Bruce
3B Alec Bohm
C Andrew Knapp

RHP Zach Eflin