Opening Weekend In D.C. — Series Preview: Phillies at Nationals, March 27-30

After nearly six months, the Philadelphia Phillies are set to play meaningful baseball once again.

Last season, the Phillies suffered one of their most embarrassing postseason losses, losing to the New York Mets in four games in the NLDS. It was a horrible ending to a fantastic season that saw the Phillies win their first division title since 2011. They had fantastic momentum and were pissed off after blowing a prime opportunity the season before when they lose to the Arizona Diamondback in the NLCS. However, they blew it.

But that’s the past, and now the Phillies turn the page to 2025. In the offseason, while they didn’t make any Juan Soto-type moves, the Phillies said goodbye to some impactful players and hello to new ones to fill their place.

Most notably, the Phillies lost two relievers, Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez, to free agency, but brought in Joe Ross and Jordan Romano to replace them in the bullpen and also went out and traded for Jesús Luzardo to bolster the rotation. On offense, not much changed other than Max Kepler added to play left field.

The Phillies bring back nearly an identical team to the years prior, but will this season provide different results? Or will it be time for the front office to consider if retooling this team is best for the future?

Getting Off To A Good Start

Like last season, the Phillies need to start the season on a good note. During the first two months of the season, the Phillies only play four series against teams that made the playoffs last season, and two are in the first four series of the year. Making sure that they get things rolling right away is key if they want any chance at winning the division this season.

The Braves are the Braves, they’re still very talented, and they have top players in Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. returning soon. Stacking as many wins as possible only helps the Phillies’ chances down the road. On top of that, the Mets signed Juan Soto, and they’re going to be a threat to win the division.

Picking up a series win, and maybe even a sweep, against a Nationals team that isn’t even on the Phillies’ level is huge. They have arguably the best rotation in baseball and one of the best offenses, so why not show it?

Scrappy Nationals

Now, while the Nationals aren’t on the Phillies’ level talent-wise, this team is coming. They have multiple young pieces who are developing well and are due for breakout seasons. Shortstop CJ Abrams is good, and outfielder James Wood is ready to take a superstar step. Their other young outfielder, Dylan Crews, is ready for his first full year in the Majors and could be on his way to superstardom.

On top of that, Josh Bell has been one of the biggest Phillie killers in recent memory, and he’ll likely have another great series against the Fightins. Nathaniel Lowe, Luis Garcia Jr., and Keibert Ruiz are all solid as well. Their pitching staff isn’t great, but MacKenzie Gore and Jake Irvin are very good pitchers who could cause trouble for some of the Phillies’ hitters this weekend.

Game Times and Broadcasts

Thursday, March 27, 4:05 p.m. ET, NBC 10, NBC Sports Philadelphia+, 94.1 WIP

Saturday, March 29, 4:05 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia+, 94.1 WIP

Sunday, March 30, 1:35 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 94.1 WIP

Probable Pitching Matchups

Game 1: Zack Wheeler (RHP, 2024 Stats: 16-7, 2.57 ERA) vs. MacKenzie Gore (LHP, 2024 Stats: 10-12, 3.90 ERA)

Game 2: Jesus Luzardo (LHP, 2024 Stats: 3-6, 5.00 ERA) vs. Jake Irvin (RHP, 2024 Stats: 10-14, 4.41 ERA)

Game 3: Aaron Nola (RHP, 2024 Stats: 14-8, 3.57 ERA) vs Trevor Williams (RHP, 2024 Stats: 6-1, 2.03 ERA)

By the Numbers

• Records (2024)
• Phillies: 95-67
• Nationals: 71-91

• Run Differential (2024)
• Phillies: 113
• Nationals: -104

• Runs Scored Per Game (2024)
• Phillies: 4.9
• Nationals: 4.0

• Runs Allowed Per Game (2024)
• Phillies: 4.19
• Nationals: 4.79

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