The Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals open a four-game series tonight at Nationals Park, with the two divisional rivals heading in opposite directions.
The Phillies (69–51) remain firmly in control of a postseason spot, powered by one of baseball’s deepest lineups. The Nationals (48–72) continue a developmental season focused on building around young talent.
Jesús Luzardo gets the start for Philadelphia. And that makes this one game in the series the National can win.
After a stellar first 11 starts with the Phillies, his season turned on May 31 against the Milwaukee Brewers, when he allowed 12 runs in 3.1 innings. His next outing against the Toronto Blue Jays was even shorter, with similarly atrocious results — 2.1 innings, eight runs allowed.
Since then, results have been mixed, with several outings giving up five or more runs. Over his last 15 starts, Luzardo has posted a 5.70 ERA.
Luzardo presents an opportunity for Washington’s young bats to do some damage. The 22-year-old James Wood has been a bright spot for the tepid Nationals offense this year. Wood enters tonight batting .261 with 25 home runs and 78 RBIs. But Luzardo has dominated left-handed hitters this year — they’re hitting .198 against him.
But righties have found success against Luzardo, hitting .278 overall — including .400 against his sinker and .305 against his four-seam fastball. So Washington’s righty bats, including Dylan Crew, fresh off the IL today, could get some good swings off of Luzardo tonight.
Washington sends Brad Lord to the mound. Since late July, the Nationals have been using him as a starter again. And his last start against the San Francisco Giants was impressive — six innings, one run, and four hits allowed. He enters tonight 3–6 with a 3.28 ERA.
He’ll face a home run-happy Phillies offense. Over the past 30 days, the Phillies rank second in MLB with 41 home runs, led by Kyle Schwarber (12) and Bryce Harper (8).
Expect a few dingers tonight, not just from the Phillies, but also from the Nats, who’ll win tonight, but lose the series.
Prediction: Nationals 5, Phillies 4
Starting Lineups
Philadelphia Phillies
1. Trea Turner – SS
2. Kyle Schwarber – DH
3. Bryce Harper – 1B
4. J.T. Realmuto – C
5. Brandon Marsh – CF
6. Nick Castellanos – RF
7. Max Kepler – LF
8. Edmundo Sosa – 3B
9. Bryson Stott – 2B
Starting Pitcher: Jesús Luzardo (LHP), 11-5, 4.20 ERA
Washington Nationals
1. James Wood – DH
2. Dylan Crews – RF
3. Josh Bell – 1B
4. Paul DeJong – SS
5. Riley Adams – C
6. Daylen Lile – LF
7. Brady House – 3B
8. Jose Tena – 2B
9. Jacob Young – CF
Starting Pitcher: Brad Lord (RHP), 3-6, 3.28 ERA
How to Watch Phillies vs. Nationals
First pitch for tonight’s Phillies-Nationals game is set for 6:45 PM Eastern at Nationals Park in Washington, DC.
Tonight’s game can be watched on NBC Sports Philadelphia and MASN in the Washington, DC metro area. Out-of-market viewers can tune in on MLB.TV.
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
First Pitch: 6:45 PM Eastern
Venue: Nationals Park, Washington, DC
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia, MASN
Streaming: MLB.TV (out-of-market)
Radio: 94 WIP (Phillies), 106.7 The Fan (Nationals)
Globely News covers the game changers transforming the worlds of business, sports, politics, and technology. From AI and electric vehicles to the rise of China and the NFL's next stars, we've got you covered.