Game 31: Phillies set to open set with Nationals

The Phillies open a three-game set Friday night in the nation's capital with the division rival Nationals. Nick Pivetta will start the series opener for the Phillies, aiming to build off Wednesday's defeat of the Miami Marlins that halted a four-game losing skid.

The Nationals counter tonight with lefty Gio Gonzalez who tossed seven innings while surrendering one run in his last appearance.

Odubel Herrera enters tonight's contest having reached base safely in a career-best 32 straight games. It's the longest streak by a Phillies player since Darin Ruf reached safely in 33 consecutive games from September 25, 2012 – August 6, 2013.

Tonight's Starting Lineup
1. Hernandez 4
2. Hoskins 7
3. Herrera 8
4. Altherr 9
5. Santana 3
6. Franco 5
7. Kingery 6
8. Alfaro 2
9. Pivetta 1
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BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com