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Phillies continue playoff push vs. Washington

Sep 20, 2007 - 1:30 PM Philadelphia (82-70) at Washington (68-84) 7:05 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - The Philadelphia Phillies benefited from the Washington Nationals' recent hot play. Now the Phillies must cool them down.

The Phillies visit the Nationals on Thursday in the opener of a four-game series.

Washington helped Philadelphia as it took two of three from the first-place New York Mets earlier this week. The Nationals, who have won eight of the last 11 here, will now look to spoil the Phillies' postseason hopes.

Philadelphia currently trails New York (84-67) by 2 1/2 games in the NL East, and also is 2 1/2 games back of the San Diego Padres (84-67) in the wild card race.

Kyle Lohse (8-12, 4.49 ERA) takes the mound as the Phillies continue their push for their first playoff appearance since 1993. Lohse has allowed three runs or less in six of his last seven starts, and is 2-0 with a 4.25 ERA since being acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline.

Washington, which is playing the final series at RFK stadium, will send Jason Bergmann to the hill. Bergmann (5-5, 4.38), who has won three straight starts, allowed four runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings of a 7-4 win over Atlanta on Saturday.