Nats game blog: Harper can set walks record with two free passes tonight

The Nationals begin a series with the Phillies tonight. There are 10 games remaining on the schedule. The most cherished part of tonight's game is it could very well be Jordan Zimmermann's final start at home as a Washington National. It's hard to believe, since almost one year ago to the day he threw his first career no-hitter as the Nationals waltzed into the postseason for the second time in three seasons. Manager Matt Williams talked about all the things Zimmermann brings to the mound every time he pitches. "Consistency, it's reliability," Williams said. "He answers the call every fifth day. And he's a pretty darn good pitcher, too. It means all of those things. (He has) got the ability to have a special moment like he did the last day of the season at any time. That's pretty remarkable." Zimmermann is 6-7 with a 3.80 ERA against the Phillies. At home in his career he is 39-21 with a 3.04 ERA in 93 starts. Bryce Harper needs just two walks to set a new Nationals/Expos record for most walks in a season. He has 122 walks. Ken Singleton registered 123 walks with the Expos in 1973. Other records #34 is close to breaking: Harper has 116 runs, which trails Alfonso Soriano (119, 2006) Harper has 41 home runs, which trails Soriano by five (46, 2006). The Nationals lead the series with the Phillies 11-5, 5-2 in D.C. The Phillies counter with right-hander Jerad Eickhoff (1-3, 3.16 ERA).