Philadelphia @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 1, 2012 ) Philadelphia 3, Washington 2

The Philadelphia Phillies’ streak of five straight division crowns will likely end this year, but they’re not going away quietly. If anything, Philadelphia appears re-energized after trading outfielders Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino at Tuesday’s trade deadline. The Phillies look to sweep host Washington after outscoring the Nationals 11-2 in the first two games. Washington stands 2 1/2 games ahead of Atlanta in the National League East while the Phillies are 14 1/2 games behind the Nationals.

Thursday’s matchup features the Phillies’ Cole Hamels’ first start at Nationals Park since he intentionally plunked Bryce Harper in the back on May 6. The Nationals expect third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (back) to be in the starting lineup for the first time this series. Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins has three home runs in the last two games, and the Phillies have also received a boost from their new-look outfield. Domonic Brown, John Mayberry Jr. and Nate Schierholtz are each auditioning for spots on the 2013 roster, and all three have contributed during the series.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, MASN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Cole Hamels (11-5, 3.31 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (5-4, 3.24)

Hamels, who signed a six-year extension with the Phillies last week, set a career high with six walks over five innings last Friday against Atlanta. Hamels has allowed 10 runs (eight earned) in his last 12 1/3 innings, and he's 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA during two starts against the Nationals this season.

Detwiler was having a solid July until last Friday, when he gave up four runs in 4 1/3 innings against Milwaukee. He’s pitched well at Nationals Park, going 4-1 with a 2.83 ERA in eight starts. Detwiler, who has made 15 starts and 21 total appearances, has a .253 opponents’ batting average and a 1.24 WHIP.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington RHP Jordan Zimmermann’s next scheduled start has been pushed back from Friday to Saturday due to minor shoulder inflammation.

2. The Phillies exchanged infielders Wednesday when they designated Mike Fontenot for assignment and recalled Mike Martinez.

3. Philadelphia is 38-31 (.550) on weekdays this season and just 9-26 (.257) on Saturday and Sunday.