Game 82 lineups: Nats at Phillies

PHILADELPHIA – Happy July, everyone! The second half of the Nationals' season is officially underway, as they have played 81 games with 81 to go, starting with this afternoon’s second game of a series against the Phillies.

The Nationals have a chance to do something they haven’t done since 2021: Go on a winning streak of more than three games. After winning their third straight last night behind a dominant start from Josiah Gray, the Nationals could also win their third straight series with a victory today.

To do so, they’ll hand the ball to MacKenzie Gore, who is 4-6 with a 3.89 ERA and 1.412 WHIP over his first 16 starts. The 24-year-old left-hander was strong in his last start, striking out nine Padres over five innings of one-run ball against his former team. He pitched a quality start against these Phillies a month ago in D.C., striking out six while allowing three runs over six innings. But ever his own biggest critic, Gore will be looking for more today.

Zack Wheeler will oppose Gore on the mound for the Phillies. The veteran right-hander is 6-4 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.179 WHIP over his 16 starts this year. He got crushed for seven runs and eight hits when he faced the Nats on June 2, the only game Washington won in that three-game series, so he too will be looking to improve today. 

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 4:05 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, MLB.com
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 83 degrees, wind 10 mph out to center field

NATIONALS
RF Lane Thomas
2B Luis García
3B Jeimer Candelario
C Keibert Ruiz
1B Dominic Smith
DH Corey Dickerson
LF Ildemaro Vargas
SS CJ Abrams
CF Derek Hill

LHP MacKenzie Gore

PHILLIES
LF Kyle Schwarber
SS Trea Turner
RF Nick Castellanos
DH Bryce Harper
C J.T. Realmuto
2B Josh Harrison
1B Alec Bohm
3B Edmundo Sosa
CF Cristian Pache

RHP Zack Wheeler