The Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals meet this afternoon for the third game of their four-game series.
The Phillies bounced back last night after Thursday’s loss, thanks to a three-run homer by — you guessed it — Kyle Schwarber in the top of the 7th, breaking a 2-2 tie. Bryce Harper followed up in the next at-bat with a solo shot.
The Nationals spoiled a strong outing from All-Star Mackenzie Gore, who allowed just two runs in six innings of work. Washington’s anemic offense was able to knock two runs off Phillies starter Zack Wheeler, but was shut out by Philadelphia’s relievers.
With the win, the Phillies extend their lead over the free-falling New York Mets to six games, while the Nationals sink deeper into the NL East’s basement.
The Phillies look to Taijuan Walker to give them quality innings this afternoon. Walker has pitched exceptionally since his return to the rotation in July. He has a 2.70 ERA over his last seven games.
The Nationals counter with right-hander Cade Cavalli, who faces one of baseball’s most potent lineups, with little promise of run support from his own offense.
Prediction
The Phillies’ bats will take care of business, while the Nats will once again only produce two-to-three runs today.
Prediction: Phillies 5, Nationals 2
Starting Lineups
Philadelphia Phillies
1. Trea Turner – SS
2. Kyle Schwarber – DH
3. Bryce Harper – 1B
4. J.T. Realmuto – C
5. Brandon Marsh – LF
6. Harrison Bader – CF
7. Max Kepler – RF
8. Edmundo Sosa – 3B
9. Bryson Stott – 2B
Starting Pitcher: Taijuan Walker (RHP), 4-5, 3.39 ERA
Washington Nationals
1. James Wood – LF
2. CJ Abrams – SS
3. Josh Bell – 1B
4. Riley Adams – C
5. Luis García Jr. – 2B
6. Daylen Lile – RF
7. Dylan Crews – DH
8. Brady House – 3B
9. Jacob Young – CF
Starting Pitcher: Cade Cavalli (RHP), 0-0, 3.86 ERA
How to Watch Phillies vs. Nationals
First pitch for this afternoon’s Phillies-Nationals game is set for 4:05 PM Eastern at Nationals Park in Washington, DC.
The 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: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 4:05 PM Eastern
Venue: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia (Phillies), MASN (Nationals)
Streaming: MLB.TV (out-of-market only)
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