Phillies Open Four-Game Set in D.C. Against Struggling Nationals
The Philadelphia Phillies (69–51), riding high atop the NL East, roll into the nation’s capital Thursday night to kick off a four-game series against the Washington Nationals (48–72). First pitch at Nationals Park is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. EDT.
Pitching Matchup
Philadelphia hands the ball to lefty Jesús Luzardo (11–5, 4.20 ERA, 1.35 WHIP), who has racked up 151 strikeouts this season. Washington counters with right-hander Brad Lord (3–6, 3.28 ERA, 1.21 WHIP), a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent rotation.
Oddsmakers have the Phillies heavily favored at -211 on the money line, with the Nationals sitting at +174. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs.
Team Breakdown
The Nationals, 22–36 at home, have struggled mightily when surrendering the long ball—posting just a 21–56 record in games where they’ve given up at least one homer.
The Phillies, meanwhile, boast the sixth-best batting average in the majors at .253 and have been solid on the road (32–30). They’ve taken four of six from Washington so far this season.
Players to Watch
- Nationals: Rookie slugger James Wood leads the club with 25 home runs and a .486 slugging percentage. Shortstop Paul DeJong has been heating up, going 10-for-34 with three homers and seven RBIs over his last 10 games.
- Phillies: Power threat Kyle Schwarber has mashed 42 home runs this year to go along with 18 doubles and a triple. Catcher J.T. Realmuto has quietly contributed 10 hits in his last 36 at-bats, including three doubles.
Recent Form
Washington is just 4–6 in its last 10, batting .248 while posting a troubling 6.62 ERA and being outscored by 25 runs in that span. Philadelphia, on the other hand, has gone 7–3 with a sharp 2.76 ERA, outscoring opponents by 14.
Injury Report
The Nationals remain without Dylan Crews (back), Trevor Williams (elbow), Keibert Ruiz (concussion), Derek Law (forearm), DJ Herz (elbow), and Josiah Gray (elbow). The Phillies are missing Daniel Robert (blister), Alec Bohm (ribcage), and Aaron Nola (ankle).
With a surging Phillies squad facing a Nationals team trying to find footing, Thursday’s series opener could set the tone for an important late-summer stretch for both clubs.
From categories: Philadelphia Phillies shirts
⏩ You may also love: Atlanta Braves Shirts
