Last season, Philadelphia (89-70) caught the New York Mets in the NL East, winning two of three games against Washington (59-99) in its final series to win the division on the last day of the regular season. At the same point a year later, the Phillies have the edge in the division race, leading the Mets by one game.

Philadelphia was off Thursday, and its magic number for clinching the NL East remained at three as New York beat the Chicago Cubs 7-6. The Mets end the regular season with three home games versus Florida.

"It wouldn't be the Philly way. No matter what sport, we don't make it easy," shortstop Jimmy Rollins said.

But the Phillies have had a knack for coming through in pressure situations, exemplified by last season's performance and their new closer's ability to close out games this season. Philadelphia's Brad Lidge has converted all 40 save chances this year.

Lidge has four saves versus the Nationals this year, giving up two hits while striking out six in five shutout innings.

The Phillies, though, haven't had an opportunity to secure a late-game lead in their last two contests, losing both to Atlanta. They had won three straight and 10 of their previous 11.

Philadelphia, coming off a 10-4 loss to the Braves on Wednesday night, is in danger of losing three straight at home for the first time since a four-game skid from July 5-8.

"Our players know what's at stake and what we have to do to get there," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told the team's official Web site. "We definitely have the talent. If we don't get there, it's our fault."

The Phillies struggled on the mound Wednesday after allowing three runs or less in their previous six contests. They'll now hand the ball to Joe Blanton (8-12, 4.79 ERA), who has won three straight decisions.

Blanton earned a win in his last outing, giving up two runs and four hits while striking out a season-high nine batters in five innings as Philadelphia beat Florida 3-2 on Saturday.

The right-hander is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA in three career starts against the Nationals.

Washington will counter with rookie right-hander Collin Balester (3-6, 4.83 ERA), who is 0-2 with a 3.75 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies. He didn't get a run to work with in either of those contests.

Balester labored through five innings against San Diego last Friday night, giving up five runs and nine hits as Washington lost 11-6 in 14 innings.

Balester was scheduled to start Thursday night's game against Florida, but it was called off because of rain and will not be made up.

Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was not in the starting lineup for that game after missing Wednesday's 9-4 loss to the Marlins due to flu-like symptoms. Washington manager Manny Acta hopes Zimmerman will be available to play sometime this weekend.

"He's not in very good shape," Acta said. "I'm not expecting any magic recovery so fast."

Philadelphia is 9-6 against Washington this season.