Phillies Lose Disappointing Game as Washington takes the First of a Three Game Series in 5-4 Phillies Loss
Aug 22, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
After an incredible sweep over the Seattle Mariners this past week, the Phillies went into this home series against a lesser opponent in the Washington Nationals with the confidence to do it all over again. However, the Phillies would end up losing game one of this series by a final of 5-4.
This showing by the Phillies contained both the good and the bad, as different sides of the field continued off of recent success, while other areas panned out to be disappointing, as those issues were not apparent as of late.
Nats Jump Early
It only took the Nationals’ cleanup hitter to get on the scoreboard in the first off of a red-hot Taijuan Walker as Riley Adams brings home the runners to start with a three-run lead.
Though Walker had had trouble with keeping the ball inside the ballpark these last few seasons, the Walker we saw recently made this first inning frustrating, as the 52-win Nationals, containing a lesser roster, took control of the Phillies early.
This did not bring Walker down completely, however, as he had faced the minimum through his next four innings. Overall, Walker pitched a good five innings despite a three-run home run. Walker only gave up three hits, struck out five, and picked off not one but two batters tonight. There was more good than bad out of Walker tonight, which is what the Phillies will be looking for.
Stott Makes it a New Game
Out of the recent hitting and defense excellence, one player who excels in both fields is second baseman Bryson Stott. Stott has been incredible at the plate as of late as well as on the diamond. Bryson had multiple “grade A” defensive plays in the field tonight, as he keeps runners put and off the base paths. Stott has not stopped flashing the leather when it matters most, which makes him a top pick for the National League Gold Glove winner over at second base.
Though his defense was outstanding tonight, his time at the plate was the turning point, as Stott launched a two-run game-tying, two-out home run during the bottom frame of the sixth inning. With the first strike of the at-bat being a middle-in fastball, Bryson wasted no time making a statement and tying up the ball game.
Stott went 2-4 on the night; his recent comeback continues in the best way possible, as he has raised his average up to .250, which will most likely not be the end of the rise for Stott. Though an unwanted outcome, Stott showed his ability to perform under pressure and make a difference for this team heading into October.
Duran Is Human
After J.T. Realmuto continued his surge with his third no-doubt home run in the last two series, Jhoan Duran came in to close out the Nationals in what was the first televised entrance in a Phillies uniform.
Things, however, did not go the Phillies’ way, as a one-out double to right field from Dylan Crews put the Nationals in scoring position. With that runner on second, the Nationals were able to capitalize on the opportunity, as Daylen Lile was able to score the runner for Duran’s first blown save in a Phillies uniform.
Furthermore, Brandon Marsh‘s throw from the outfield did not reach the target, allowing Lile to take second. The taking of second was perfect in the Nationals’ favor, as the speedy Lile was able to score after a throwing error committed by Realmuto on the throw down to third went past the third baseman in Alec Bohm.
The Phillies had made a bad situation worse, where the offense failed to come back from their mistakes in the bottom of the ninth inning, going 1-2-3 for the Nationals’ victory.
Nola Hopes to Prove Himself
While an extremely disappointing loss for the Phillies, they do not have to go back to the drawing board just yet.
There was still a lot of good to be taken out of today’s game and taken into tomorrow’s game at 6:05 PM, where Aaron Nola looks to calm himself and get on the right track before postseason baseball. It is clear that Rob Thomson still believes in Aaron, as he can still get back to the Nola we know.
Luke Raidy
Luke has covering the the Flyers and Phillies for Philly Sports Reports since 2025. He is a junior at North Penn and being a huge Philly sports fan has brought so many experiences, such as going to the NLDS, NLCS, and even the World Series in 2022. He has also met former superstars in the city of Philadelphia, such as Wayne Simmonds from the Flyers. Though being a student-athlete, Luke enjoys his time where he is writing and reporting on Philadelphia sports.
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