Game 109 lineups: Nats vs. Phillies

This afternoon's series finale against the Phillies represents another opportunity for a young Nationals pitcher to go out and show what he can provide the team down the line, while also trying to avoid a four-game sweep at home.

Joe Ross makes his 19th start of the year today. He's 5-9 with a 4.00 ERA after giving up five runs (four earned) in last weekend's start against the Cubs. In the start prior, he held this very Phillies club to just three hits over five scoreless innings in Philadelphia.

After Erick Fedde was allowed to empty the tank to the tune of a season-high 108 pitches in a close victory for the Nats on Sunday, you can expect the same for Ross today, as the focus on the season has changed. Even in a close game, Ross should have a long leash to work with to show manager Davey Martinez how far he can push his limits.

Martinez still might be a bit more careful with the 28-year-old right-hander, who continues to ramp up innings after a serious injury and a year away from the game due to the pandemic. But the goal should still be the same for Ross as it was for Fedde.

Aaron Nola takes the mound for the Phillies, bringing a 7-6 record and 4.30 ERA over 21 starts. He's faced every other National League East opponent multiple times this season except for the Nationals. In 22 career starts against Washington, Nola is 6-7 with a 3.89 ERA.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 4:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, MLB.com
Weather: Mostly sunny, 87 degrees, wind 5 mph from right field to left field

NATIONALS
CF Victor Robles
SS Alcides Escobar
RF Juan Soto
1B Josh Bell
LF Yadiel Hernandez
3B Carter Kieboom
2B Luis García
C Tres Barrera
RHP Joe Ross

PHILLIES
CF Travis Jankowski
C J.T. Realmuto
RF Bryce Harper
1B Rhys Hoskins
SS Didi Gregorius
3B Alec Bohm
LF Odúbel Herrera
2B Ronald Torreyes
RHP Aaron Nola