Washington @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 27, 2015 ) Washington 0, Philadelphia 0

The Washington Nationals have a chance to extend their winning streak from seven to nine games Sunday as they visit the Philadelphia Phillies for a traditional doubleheader. The National League East rivals played 1 1/2 innings on Saturday before the middle contest of their three-game series was delayed by rain for 1 hour, 27 minutes before being postponed.

Washington has allowed a total of seven runs during its seven-game run, yielding more than one only twice. Max Scherzer continued his dominating run on the mound and Michael Taylor ripped a double among his two hits and scored twice as the Nationals breezed to a 5-2 triumph in Friday's series opener. Taylor is 11-for-27 with six runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak for division-leading Washington. Philadelphia obviously is singing a different tune, having dropped 16 of its last 21 games to sit comfortably in the cellar.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: TBA vs. Phillies RH Severino Gonzalez (2-2, 8.69 ERA)

Washington did not announce a starter for the nightcap, but the candidates include Tanner Roark and Triple-A right-hander Taylor Jordan, who was scratched from his Saturday start for Syracuse and could be activated as the 26th player. The 28-year-old Roark, who hasn't pitched since returning from paternity leave, is 3-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 19 games this season. Roark improved to 3-0 as a starter on June 16, when he allowed one run and six hits in seven innings at Tampa Bay, and is 2-4 with a 4.97 ERA in six career contests (four starts) against the Phillies.

Gonzalez will be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make his sixth major-league start. The 22-year-old Panamanian lasted only 2 2/3 innings in his last outing on June 6, surrendering six runs and seven hits en route to a loss to San Francisco in his Citizens Bank Park debut. Gonzalez, who has yet to work more than five frames for Philadelphia, has posted a 1-4 record and 4.06 ERA in eight turns for Lehigh Valley.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals OF Bryce Harper has missed the last two games with tightness in his right hamstring.

2. Philadelphia rookie 3B Maikel Franco is hitless in his last eight at-bats after going 13-for-21 with three home runs and 11 RBIs during a five-game stretch.

3. Washington 3B Yunel Escobar is day-to-day with swelling in his hand after being hit by a pitch in the series opener.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Phillies 4