BASEBALL PREVIEW: Phillies at Nationals WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals meet Tuesday night at Nationals Park in a clash of National League East contenders, with the Phillies holding a slim two-game edge in the standings and a rain-soaked forecast adding potential intrigue. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT with the temperature expected at 74 degrees and rain in the forecast. Philadelphia (42-35) enters with momentum after a 6-2 victory over the New York Mets on Sunday. Right-hander Zack Wheeler delivered a quality start in that game, scattering four hits and two earned runs over 5⅔ innings with seven strikeouts to improve to 8-3 on the season. Wheeler has been dominant over his past four outings, allowing just four earned runs across 24⅔ innings while striking out 24. First baseman Bryce Harper went 3-for-4 with a home run and an RBI in Sunday’s win, and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber added a homer and three RBIs. The Phillies will send right-hander Zack Littell (6-6, 4.02 ERA) to the mound. Littell has been steady but inconsistent, and he will face a Nationals lineup that has shown flashes of power. Washington (40-38) dropped a 4-3 decision at Tampa Bay on Sunday, despite a strong relief appearance from Gus Varland (2 IP, 1 ER, 2 K) and a home run from shortstop CJ Abrams. The Nationals have split their past six games and sit two games under .500. Right-hander Andrew Alvarez gets the start for Washington. Alvarez (5-4, 3.18 ERA) has worked primarily as a bulk reliever, averaging around four innings per start. He tossed four innings Sunday, allowing one earned run on four hits with six strikeouts. Over his past five appearances, Alvarez has posted a 2.84 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 19⅔ innings. Head-to-head: The Phillies swept a three-game series in Philadelphia from March 30-April 1, outscoring the Nationals 11-7. Monday’s scheduled series opener was postponed. Betting line: Philadelphia is a -1.5 favorite, and the over/under is set at 8 runs. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Phillies victory. Notable: Wheeler is 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA in his last four starts. Alvarez has allowed one earned run or fewer in four of his past five appearances. Up next: The series continues Wednesday and Thursday before Philadelphia travels to New York for a three-game set against the Mets. Washington heads to Baltimore for a weekend series against the Orioles.