Washington @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 21, 2011 ) Philadelphia 4, Washington 5

THE STORY: Although they have clinched their fifth consecutive National League East title, the Philadelphia Phillies still have another goal on the horizon. With either one more win or a loss by the Milwaukee Brewers, the Phillies can clinch home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Charlie Manuel's club will look to handle its business Tuesday when it hosts a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals. The twinbill is a result of an Aug. 14 rainout.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), WPHL (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Ross Detwiler (2-5, 3.76 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Kyle Kendrick (8-6, 3.22).

Detwiler yielded a pair of six-run outings prior to his last turn on the mound. Detwiler, the sixth overall pick of the 2007 draft, allowed only two runs on three hits in 5 2/3 innings, but settled for a no-decision against the New York Mets on Sept. 12. Detwiler is 0-3 in his career against the Phillies, but has not faced them this season. Kendrick expects to get shuffled to the bullpen when the Phillies step foot in the postseason. In the interim, the 27-year-old Houston native is making the most of his limited starts. Kendrick didn't surrender a hit through four innings before picking up the win after allowing one run while striking out six against the Florida Marlins last Wednesday. Kendrick is 2-3 in his career versus the Nationals.

ABOUT THE NATIONALS (72-79): You see the record, and it's admittedly no reason to throw a parade. However, Washington has posted the worst mark in the majors for the last two seasons, so being only seven games below .500 with 11 to play isn't too shabby. With a potential third-place finish in the National League East, even Davey Johnson's club has reason to play out the stretch. Rookie Danny Espinosa is 10-for-25 in his last seven contests - and is an impressive 4-for-6 with two homers against Lee this season. He is only 1-for-5 versus Kendrick, however.

ABOUT THE PHILLIES (98-54): While it's tough to split hairs when discussing negatives on a near 100-win team, the Phillies aren't an offensive juggernaut heading into the postseason. Philadelphia has scored three or fewer runs in 10 of its last 11 games. The lack of run production has resulted in a 5-6 mark. Monday's effort saw more of the same as the Phillies' offense didn't wake up until the ninth inning and lost 4-3 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Jimmy Rollins' 100th career triple highlighted the two-run inning. Ryan Howard received an anti-inflammatory injection in his left ankle. The slugger is expected to be out until Thursday.

FINAL PITCH: Washington is starting a pair of lefthanders in Tuesday's doubleheader, much to the pleasure of Philadelphia. The Phillies have posted a 30-11 mark - and 16-4 record at home - against southpaws this season.