The Philadelphia Phillies wrap up the regular season home stretch when they host the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, September 25, with first pitch set for 6:40 PM ET. Cristopher Sánchez gets the ball for Philadelphia against Tampa Bay's Freddy Peralta in what shapes up as a solid left-arm-versus-right-arm pitching matchup. With the calendar turning toward late September, every game carries weight, and this one is no exception for a Phillies club looking to finish strong at home.

Probable Starters: Cristopher Sánchez vs. Freddy Peralta

Cristopher Sánchez has been one of the quieter success stories in the Philadelphia rotation — a crafty left-hander who generates weak contact and keeps lineups off-balance with his deceptive delivery. He'll need to be at his best against a Rays lineup that, even in down years, tends to grind at-bats and work counts.

On the other side, Freddy Peralta brings legitimate stuff to the mound for Tampa Bay. A power arm with swing-and-miss capability, Peralta represents a real challenge for the Phillies' lineup. Philadelphia's hitters will need to be disciplined early and not chase out of the zone against his fastball-heavy approach.

Phillies Starting Lineup

• 1. Kyle Schwarber — DH
• 2. Trea Turner — SS
• 3. Bryce Harper — RF
• 4. Alec Bohm — 1B
• 5. Bryson Stott — 2B
• 6. Brandon Marsh — LF
• 7. Justin Crawford — CF
• 8. J.T. Realmuto — C
• 9. Edmundo Sosa — 3B

Keys to Watch on Friday Night

Schwarber Sets the Tone

Kyle Schwarber leading off against a power pitcher like Peralta is always appointment television. Schwarber's ability to work deep counts and punish a mistake pitch in the first inning can dictate the game's entire tempo. If he gets on base early, the Phillies have a dangerous 2-3-4 combination coming through in Turner, Harper, and Bohm to do damage.

Sánchez Must Manage the Rays' Lineup Depth

Tampa Bay rarely beats itself. The Rays are disciplined, patient, and capable of wearing out a starting pitcher by the fifth inning. Sánchez will need efficient innings — getting ahead in counts and avoiding deep, grinding at-bats — to give the Phillies the length they want out of their starter.

Harper and Bohm in the Middle

Bryce Harper at three and Alec Bohm at four form the heart of this order, and Peralta will have to make quality pitches to navigate that stretch of the lineup. Any early baserunners created by Schwarber and Turner means Harper and Bohm are getting pitches to hit. That's a dangerous proposition for any visiting starter.

Justin Crawford's Development

With Justin Crawford starting in center, keep an eye on how the young outfielder handles a veteran arm like Peralta. Late September is valuable development time, and Crawford's at-bats will be worth watching.

Prediction

Sánchez has the profile to keep the Rays' offense in check, and the Phillies lineup — even against a quality arm in Peralta — has enough firepower top to bottom to push across runs. Citizens Bank Park crowd on a Friday night gives Philadelphia the edge. Phillies win, 4-2.

Catch the game on NBCSP or listen on 94 WIP.