Three days and counting for the Nationals. That's when their dreadful season will be finished. The Nationals are not exactly going out in style. They have lost nine of their last 10 games. Washington is averaging a puny 1.6 runs in its last six games.

The Phillies have motivation trailing the Dodgers by one game for the No. 1 seed in the National League. Philadelphia is 25 games better than the Nationals.

So I see this as a kill spot for the Phillies. The oddsmaker does, too. So to reduce the heavy juice, I feel confident laying 1 1/2 runs on the run line. Of the Nationals' last 13 losses, 10 have come by more than one run.

The Phillies rank fourth in runs and batting average. They are averaging 5.9 runs in their last seven games.

Ranger Suarez has been a dependable starter for Philadelphia with a 12-7 record, 3.15 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.

Washington's Trevor Williams has been injured for two months. This will be only his second start since July 25. He's a journeyman who has pitched for four teams since 2020. Williams has had an ERA above 5.00 in two of the past three years.