This is a 1* Free Play on the Washington Nationals.

The visiting Nats will send Doug Fister (12-4, 2.38 ERA) to toe the rubber; Fister is coming off a rare poor outing where he allowed four earned runs over six innings in a loss to the Giants. A date vs. Philadelphia is just what the doctor ordered to return to form though, note that the big right-hander is 2-1 while limiting the Phillies to just four earned runs and 13 hits over 22 innings in three career starts. Philadelphia counters with Kyle Kendrick (6-11, 4.93 ERA), who allowed three runs in the first inning but settled down to defeat the Cardinals on Friday, allowing four runs over 6 1/3 innings in the end; it's important to note though that the win was his first since July 25th. The bottom line is, Kendrick has a 6.10 ERA since June 21st, worst in the National League. Additionally, Kendrick is just 5-10 with a ballooned 5.00 ERA against the Nationals, his most losses versus any team (also note that Kendrick has posted a deplorable 8.02 ERA in losing his last four matchups in the series). Despite taking the first two of this series, the Phillies are still well under .500 at home and several of the Nats' sluggers have dominated Kendrick throughout their careers, I think the table is set for a Washington victory.

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