For the first time since July of 2019, the Nationals enter a Philadelphia series with a better record than their division rival Phillies. Foster Griffin will try and earn Washington their third start to a season of 3-1 or better since moving to the nation’s capital, while the Phillies try to get back on track after a rough opening weekend against the Rangers.

MORE ON ALL OF THIS LATER IN TODAY’S NOTES

The Washington Nationals took the rubber match of their three-game set against the Chicago Cubs, winning the Sunday afternoon game off of a solid start from Jake Irvin. The righty threw five innings of two-run ball (both via solo home runs) while striking out seven and just allowing one other hit. PJ Poulin and Gus Varland covered the next two frames, but Cionel Pérez allowed another homer in the eighth before Clayton Beeter recorded his first save of the season.

Offensively, the story centers around one man. Joey Wiemer, in reaching base eight times to start the year, tied the record for most consecutive plate appearances to safely reach when starting a tenure with a new team, according to the Nationals by way of Elias Sports. His three-run shot in the first inning set the tone for a good offensive day, as he tripled, walked, and singled as well. Keibert Ruiz also joined in, driving home the other three runs by way of a sacrifice fly, and his first home run since game two of last year.

On Deck…

The Nationals and Phillies will continue their three-game set tomorrow night in Philadelphia, as the Nationals send Zack Littell to the mound for his first start fo Washington. The righty will go up against Andrew Painter, who is making his major league debut.

In the hole…

This week’s series will wrap up on Wednesday as Cade Cavalli takes the mound against lefty Cristopher Sánchez. The Nationals will then have Thursday off before their home opener against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.