Washington @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2011 ) Washington 4, Philadelphia 3

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Tommy Milone (1-0, 4.60 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cliff Lee (16-7, 2.38).

Milone, making his third major league start, secured his first career victory in his last trip to the mound. The 24-year-old Milone allowed one run on three hits against the New York Mets on Thursday and was all smiles after the team's 10-1 lopsided victory. Lee was one strike away from his seventh shutout of the season before Jose Lopez belted a solo homer to tie the game. The 33-year-old Arkansas native scattered five hits and struck out 12, but settled for a no-decision in the Phillies' 2-1 win over the Marlins on Thursday. Lee, who has won seven in a row overall, is 3-1 in his career against the Nationals. On April 14, he scattered three hits and struck out 12 in a 4-0 triumph.

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.