[SBR Chris]

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES v WASHINGTON NATIONALS
7:05 PM ET, July 31, 2012
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Series: Game 1 of 3

PHILLIES +137
NATIONALS -157

Sadly for the Phillies they haven’t been dead last in the latter stages of a season like this in almost 10 years and now they find themselves in an unfamiliar situation after previously winning five straight NL East titles. On the other hand the Washington Nationals are equally unaccustomed to their league position but will hardly be complaining about being top of the division. The Nats will send Stephen Strasburg as the lead pitcher in hopes of securing 14 victories from the past 18 meetings with Philadelphia who are fresh from defeat at the hands of Atlanta on Sunday.

With trade deadline rumours being rife, Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel reflects that ‘I guess that there’s going to be a lot of thinking going on, evidently. We’ll wait and see’’. The 68 year old senior helmsman was also under no illusions with regards to his team’s current performance adding ‘I think where we’re at speaks for itself.’ One person Manuel can hold faith in is Shane Victornio who has pledged his near future, ‘‘we’ve got 60 games. That’s my goal, to play 60 games here…I'm wearing a ´P’ on my hat, Phillies across my chest…I want to be here’’

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[Sportsbetting123]

Nats RL. Best of luck all

[SBR Chris]

Nats RL. Best of luck all

Cheers SB...good luck