Game 76 lineups: Nats vs. Phillies

The Nats have now lost seven of their last nine games, and are now 18-20 at home and 11-13 in the National League East. So before they head out on a six-game road trip, they need to get away with a win or be saddled with their third home series sweep loss of the season.

In order for the club to get a win, they will need a solid start from an inexperienced starter in right-hander Jefry Rodriguez (0-0, 4.66 ERA), who is looking for his first win in his major league career. Rodriguez did fairly well in his first major league start June 19 against the Orioles, but allowed a pair of two-run homers. His teammates were able to outscore the Birds 9-7 and he did not record a decision.

During that game, Rodriguez relied almost completely on his two fastballs and his curveball. He also has a very good changeup, which he has not used as much as might have been expected. Rodriguez will need to have enough confidence to throw that pitch tonight against a Phillies club that has put up 17 runs and four homers against Nationals pitching in winning the first two games of the series.

Right-hander and former Nationals prospect Nick Pivetta (4-6, 4.08 ERA) gets the ball for the Phillies.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 8:07 p.m. EDT
TV: ESPN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, MLB.com
Weather: Partly cloudy, 80 degrees, 15 percent chance of precipitation, winds in from right field at 8 mph

NATIONALS

SS Trea Turner
RF Bryce Harper
3B Anthony Rendon
LF Juan Soto
1B Daniel Murphy
CF Michael A. Taylor
2B Wilmer Difo
C Pedro Severino
RHP Jefry Rodriguez

PHILLIES

2B César Hernández
LF Rhys Hoskins
CF Odùbel Herrera
1B Carlos Santana
RF Nick Williams
SS Scott Kingery
C Andrew Knapp
3B Maikel Franco
RHP Nick Pivetta