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The Washington Nationals are in the playoffs as it is but the team has yet to clinch the NL East title. That changes Monday night if John Lannan beats the Phillies or if the Braves lose. Bet on Phillies-Nationals and every game at Bovada.lv
Atlanta at Pittsburgh – Braves LHP Paul Maholm (13-10, 3.71) vs. Pirates LHP Jeff Locke (0-3, 6.35): Maholm will make his third start of the year against his former team. He allowed one run and four hits in eight innings at PNC Park on July 24. He has bounced back from two rough starts at the beginning of the month. … The rookie lefty Locke hopes to enter the offseason with his first big league win. Otherwise, he’ll have the burden of remaining winless after 10 starts, the most at the start of a career by a Pirates pitcher since 1962-65 (Tommie Sisk).
Philadelphia at Washington – Phillies LHP Kyle Kendrick (10-12, 4.08) vs. Nationals LHP John Lannan (4-0, 4.23): One win shy of tying a career high in wins, Kendrick takes the mound for his final start of the year. He hopes to fare better against the Nats this time around, as he gave up three homers in just two-plus innings against them on Wednesday at home. … Lannan will face the Phillies after beating them Wednesday, when he allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings. The lefty has won his last two starts against Philadelphia after going 1-12 in his first 15 starts against the Nats’ division rival.
NY Mets at Miami – Mets RHP Jeurys Familia (0-0, 8.64) vs. Marlins RHP Josh Johnson (8-14, 3.81): After a hot-and-cold run in the bullpen as a September callup, Familia will make his Major League starting debut Monday against the Marlins. Still unsure if Familia’s future lies in the rotation or bullpen, the Mets will certainly be taking notes. … A lack of run support has plagued Johnson all season. In his last start, he gave up two earned runs in six innings of a loss. On Sept. 1, JJ had the same issue. He gave up one run in eight innings in a loss to the Mets.
Houston at Chicago Cubs – Astros RHP Lucas Harrell (10-11, 3.88) vs. Cubs RHP Jason Berken (0-2, 6.00): Harrell leads all Major League rookies with 187 2/3 innings pitched and is second among NL rookies in wins. He hasn’t won in his last six starts, though, going 0-2 with a 3.22 ERA. His last win was Aug. 21. … Berken was roughed up in his last start against the Rockies, giving up six runs on nine hits over four innings. He had trouble keeping the ball down, which can be a problem at Coors Field. This will be his last chance to make a good impression.
San Diego at Milwaukee – Padres LHP Clayton Richard (14-13, 3.91) vs. Brewers RHP Shaun Marcum (6-4, 3.74): Richard will get a second crack at win No. 15, which would be a career-best. He allowed four earned runs on 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings his last time out, against the Dodgers, his shortest start this year. This will be his 33rd start of the season. … This will be Marcum’s final pitch before free agency. After five poor starts off the disabled list, he has put together two “quality starts” in a row, including Wednesday’s win over the Reds.
Cincinnati at St. Louis – Reds RHP Bronson Arroyo (12-9, 3.70) vs. Cardinals LHP Jaime Garcia (6-7, 3.99): Arroyo went six straight outings without a loss, but he has dropped two of his past three starts. Overall, the right-hander’s 3.70 ERA this season is the lowest he’s posted since his first year in Cincinnati. … Garcia has made three straight quality starts and appears to have found his stride after missing significant time with an arm injury earlier this year. Garcia’s ERA is about two runs lower at home, and that’s where he’ll make his final start of 2012.
Colorado at Arizona – Rockies LHP Drew Pomeranz (2-9, 5.01) vs. Diamondbacks LHP Wade Miley (16-11, 3.32): Pomeranz held the Cubs scoreless for five innings, struck out three and gave up three hits and three walks while earning a win at Coors Field in his last start. It was Pomeranz’s first win since July 6. … Miley looks to finish his season on a strong note after struggling in his last four outings. Miley has a 6.45 ERA over that span as his ERA has risen from 2.90 to 3.32. A good final start would help his chances to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award.
San Francisco at LA Dodgers – Giants RHP Matt Cain (16-5, 2.77) vs. Dodgers RHP Aaron Harang (10-10, 3.68): This will be Cain’s final tuneup before a likely Game 1 start in the Division Series against either Washington or Cincinnati. Cain has recorded a 2.18 ERA in his last nine starts. … Staked to a six-run lead through four innings, Harang delivered an efficient victory in San Diego, taking a shutout into the sixth and coming away with his first win since Aug. 18. This will be his first start against San Francisco this year.
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