Phillies vs. Nationals preview

7:05 Citizens Bank Park. TV: Comcast SportsNet. Radio: WPHT (1210-AM); WUBA (1480-AM) Spanish. Ticket info: The Phillies have about 2,000 tickets remaining.

Nationals' RHP Livan Hernandez (1-2, 4.44) vs. Phillies RHP Joe Blanton (9-7, 4.11)

Nationals update: Livan Hernandez faced Joe Blanton last Thursday, picking up the victory in an 8-7 win . . . Hernandez allowed two runs on six hits in 7 1/3 innings before the Nationals' bullpen allowed five runs in the ninth inning . . . Hernandez has thrown three quality starts in four outings since joining the Nationals in late August. He also faced the Phillies on July 3 while a member of the Mets, allowing seven runs in three innings in a 7-2 loss.

Phillies update: Joe Blanton had his streak of 11 consecutive quality starts snapped in his last outing, when he allowed eight runs in 4 2/3 innings of a 8-7 loss to the Nationals . . . Blanton has allowed four or more earned runs in six of his eight career starts against the Nationals. In four starts this season, he has allowed 21 earned runs in 20 innings . . . Heading into last night's game, Phillies starters had posted a 3.26 ERA since the All-Star break, second among National League teams.