Washington @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2011 ) Washington 3, Philadelphia 0

THE STORY: While separated by only 136 miles in geography and a great distance in the standings, the Washington Nationals have held their own against the National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies this season. The division rivals have played 16 times, with both clubs claiming eight victories. Washington, which pulled even in the series with a doubleheader sweep Tuesday, will look to gain the upper hand when the teams reconvene in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The Nationals have won nine of their last 12, while the Phillies have dropped four in a row since clinching their fifth consecutive division title Saturday. Philadelphia's magic number to clinch home-field advantage throughout the postseason is one.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), CS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH John Lannan (9-13, 3.68 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vance Worley (11-2, 2.85).

Lannan seemingly can't right the ship - and on Wednesday, he will face a team which has sunk him throughout his career. The 26-year-old New York native has dropped two in a row and six of his last seven starts. Lannan yielded three runs on eight hits in six innings, but dropped a 3-0 decision to the Florida Marlins in his last outing Friday. Lannan is 1-12 versus the Phillies in his career, including 1-4 this season. He was torched for 12 runs in his last two outings against them in August. Worley will be making his last start before heading to the bullpen. No, the 23-year-old righty hasn't struggled - far from it. It's just with proven studs Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt slated for postseason starts, there is no room in the rotation. Worley pitched well in his last outing, allowing one run on six hits in as many innings, but settled for a no-decision against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. He is 2-0 in his young career against the Nationals.

ABOUT THE NATIONALS (74-79): Washington collected its fifth and sixth consecutive road victories with Tuesday's sweep. Ryan Zimmerman plated Michael Morse with a pinch-hit, two-out single in the 10th inning to give the Nationals a 4-3 win in the opener. The hit marked Zimmerman's second game-winner against the Phillies this season. He belted a walk-off grand slam on Aug. 20. In the nightcap, Danny Espinosa highlighted a 3-for-4 performance with his 20th homer of the season to extend his hitting streak to nine games in a 3-0 win. The rookie has 14 hits during his hitting streak, but is 0-for-3 this season against Worley.

ABOUT THE PHILLIES (98-56): Manager Charlie Manuel wants to rest his studs, but watching his team lose eight of its last 12 is not the way he wants to enter the postseason. Philadelphia is having trouble getting its offense in gear, managing three runs or less in 11 of those contests. In the nightcap, Ben Francisco collected two of his team's three hits. Ryan Howard sat out both ends of the doubleheader as he deals with bursitis in his ankle. The slugger is expected back Thursday. Raul Ibanez belted a pinch-hit three-run homer in the opener. The veteran has fared well versus Lannan, going 12-for-25 with a pair of homers in his career.

FINAL PITCH: "I’m good. It’s a little tight, but I’ll be fine. Sometimes it’s not smart to play 18 innings every day. We’re just trying to be smart. I’m being honest. I’m good." - Philadelphia's Hunter Pence, after leaving the opening game of the doubleheader with a knee injury. He did not play in the nightcap.