Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions April 29th 2025

Nationals Look to Bounce Back Against Phillies’ Ace Zack Wheeler

The Washington Nationals face a tough task Tuesday as they open a series in Philadelphia against Zack Wheeler and the surging Philadelphia Phillies.

Nationals Seek Rebound After Humbling Defeat

Washington was riding high after winning two of three against the New York Mets but came crashing back to earth in Monday’s 19-5 blowout loss. The Nationals gave up 16 runs over the final four innings, spoiling home runs by James Wood and Nathaniel Lowe.

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“Everyone loves to use that term ‘rebuilding,’ but we are confident in this group,” Nationals catcher Riley Adams said. “From (manager Dave Martinez) to the front office to the players and everybody — we believe in each other, believe in our group. We just have that confidence.”

They’ll need that belief against Wheeler, who is beginning to regain his ace form. For those following the latest MLB Analysis, Wheeler’s trending improvement could be pivotal in predicting the outcome of this matchup.

Wheeler Finding His Rhythm

Zack Wheeler (2-1, 3.62 ERA) has found a groove recently, allowing just four runs over his last 13 innings while striking out 22 and walking only two. Despite a tough-luck no-decision in his last outing against the Mets, Wheeler is confident the Phillies are turning a corner.

“We know what type of team we are,” Wheeler said. “We know how good we are. We just got to play better and play more consistent.”

Wheeler faced the Nationals on Opening Day, giving up just one run and two hits over six innings, with eight strikeouts. However, historically, he is just 14-15 with a 4.37 ERA in 36 career starts against Washington.

One Nationals hitter to watch is Josh Bell, who has had Wheeler’s number over the years, batting .300 with four homers in 40 at-bats against him.

Gore Aims to Silence Phillies’ Bats

MacKenzie Gore (2-3, 3.34 ERA) takes the mound for the Nationals. Gore has been consistently solid, allowing exactly two runs in six innings in three of his past four starts. Notably, he dominated the Phillies on Opening Day, throwing six scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts.

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Still, Gore’s career numbers against Philadelphia stand at just 1-4 with a 4.38 ERA, showing he’ll need to replicate his Opening Day form to give Washington a chance.

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The Phillies, meanwhile, snapped a five-game skid by winning their last two games against the Cubs, including a clutch 3-1, 10-inning victory on Sunday.

“Sometimes you need a little light at the end of the tunnel to build that confidence. Hopefully that’s the start of some pretty good baseball,” said Phillies shortstop Trea Turner.