(My Sportsbook) - Eude Brito makes his second major league start tonight, as he leads the Philadelphia Phillies against the Washington Nationals in the continuation of a key three-game series at RFK Stadium.

The Phillies, who posted a 7-1 win last night behind David Bell's first career grand slam, remain a half-game ahead of Houston for the top spot in the NL wild card race.

Brito had a no-decision in his major league debut, a 4-3 Phillies win August 21 against Pittsburgh. The 27-year-old lefty lasted five innings and allowed three hits and one run.

The Nationals, who are four games off the pace in the wild card race, will send John Patterson to the hill. Patterson, a winner in four of his last five decisions, has been one of NL's most dominating starters this year. He's given up two runs runs or less 18 times in 25 starts in 2005. He is 1-1 with a 3.06 ERA in three games against the Phillies in his career.

Patterson left his last start, Tuesday at Atlanta, with stomach cramps after throwing just 2 2/3 innings. He allowed three hits and two runs.

Jason Michaels had three hits and scored three times last night for the Phillies, who have won three straight. Bobby Abreu drove in two runs.

Brad Wilkerson had two hits and knocked in the lone run for the Nationals, who have lost five of their last seven contests.

The Phillies recalled Gavin Floyd from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and he will start on Sunday in place of Robinson Tejeda, who has a sore pitching shoulder.

The Phillies are 33-34 on the road this year, but have won 14 of their last 20 road games.

The Phillies own a slight 8-6 edge in this set in 2005.