Phils clinch home field after loss to Cards

Despite a 4-3 loss to the Cardinals last night, the Phillies clinched home field advantage throughout the post-season because of Milwaukee's loss to the Cubs.

Currently standing at 98-54. the Phils will finish with the best record in the National League. They'll own home field advantage in the World Series, should they advance that far of course, because of the NL's victory in the All-Star game.

The red hot Cardinals took three of four from the Phils, closing their gap in the Wild Card race to 2.5 behind Atlanta. The Phils may have a chance to knock the Braves out of the Wild Card spot with their series next week, during the last three games of the season. Although at this point, many would prefer not to face St. Louis in the first round.

The Phils look to get back on the winning track today, and they'll have two chances to do so during a day-night doubleheader at the Bank against Washington.

Kyle Kendrick (8-6, 3.22) takes the ball in Game One against Ross Detwiler (2-5, 3.76).

Kendrick pitched well, beating the Marlins in the first game of a doubleheader last week. He's 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his last three starts, but just 2-3 with a 6.02 ERA lifetime against the Nats.

Detwiler has been solid this year but has struggled lately, going 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in his last three starts. He's 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA in his career against Philadelphia.

Cliff Lee (16-7, 2.38) looks to continue his red hot streak in the nightcap against Tom Milone (1-0, 4.60).

Everyone knows how ridiculous Lee has been lately. He's 3-1 with a 2.97 ERA in his career against Washington.

Milone picked up his first Major League victory in his last start against the Mets, allowing just one run over 5.2 innings. He's made three career starts, all this month. He picked up no decisions against the Mets and Astros earlier in September. Over 15.2 innings, he's allowed eight runs on 17 hits and three walks. He's struck out nine.