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Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies August 17th 2025
The Philadelphia Phillies will visit the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The Phillies have a record of 70-53 and are first in the NL East. They recently lost a game, bringing their last 10 games to a 5-5 record.
The Nationals have a record of 50-73 and are fifth in the same division. They won their last game, also holding a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. The game will be aired on Roku at 11:35 AM, and the weather forecast predicts a warm day with clear skies.
Phillies vs Nationals Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals
- Venue: Nationals Park in Washington, DC
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Betting Odds: Phillies Moneyline -173, Nationals Moneyline +146
The Phillies Can Win If…
The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to bounce back after a 2-0 loss to the Washington Nationals. Despite the loss, the Phillies showed promise with eight hits, including two extra-base hits. Trea Turner was a standout, going 3-for-4 with a double, while J.T. Realmuto added two singles.
The Phillies have a solid offensive lineup that ranks 5th in batting average and 7th in doubles this season. Kyle Schwarber leads the team with 43 home runs, ranking 2nd in the league. With players like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner contributing, the Phillies have the firepower to put runs on the board.
On the mound, Aaron Nola is set to start for the Phillies. While his record may not show it, Nola has the ability to deliver strong performances. The Phillies’ pitching staff ranks 5th in ERA and 2nd in strikeouts, indicating their potential to control the game.
The Nationals Can Win If…
The Washington Nationals secured a victory in their most recent game against the Philadelphia Phillies, winning 2-0. Cade Cavalli was the standout player, pitching seven scoreless innings with five strikeouts. James Wood contributed two RBIs, which were crucial for the team’s win.
The Nationals have shown strong hitting potential with a .244 batting average, ranking 11th in the league. They have hit 201 doubles, placing them 9th overall, and their aggressive base running has earned them 104 stolen bases, ranking 7th. These stats highlight their ability to create scoring opportunities.
Mitchell Parker will take the mound for the Nationals in the upcoming game. Despite a challenging season, he has managed to secure seven wins. With Aaron Nola’s high ERA of 6.16 for the Phillies, the Nationals have a good chance to capitalize on this matchup.
The Lean
The Phillies are favored on the moneyline at -173. The Nationals are at +146. The Phillies have a stronger batting lineup and pitching stats, ranking 5th in ERA compared to the Nationals’ 28th. The model projects a Phillies win with a score of 6-4.
The total is set at 9.5 runs, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. Considering the Phillies’ solid offense and the Nationals’ high ERA, the model projects a total of 10 runs. This suggests taking the over for this game.
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Phillies Welcome Back Aaron Nola in Finale vs. Nationals
The Philadelphia Phillies will finally get a boost to their rotation Sunday when Aaron Nola makes his long-awaited return against the Washington Nationals.
Nola (1-7, 6.16 ERA) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list for his first start since May 14. The right-hander’s absence has been felt, especially after Philadelphia placed ace Zack Wheeler on the injured list Saturday with a blood clot in his throwing arm.
The Phillies (NL East leaders) are looking to salvage a split after dropping a 2-0 decision Saturday behind Washington starter Cade Cavalli. Rookie James Wood drove in both runs with a clutch two-out double in the fifth inning.
Pitching Matchup – Series Finale
| Pitcher | Team | W-L | ERA | WHIP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Nola | Phillies | 1-7 | 6.16 | 1.42 | Returning from ankle & rib injuries, strong rehab start (11 K in 5.2 IP) |
| Mitchell Parker | Nationals | 7-13 | 5.55 | 1.39 | Beat Phillies on March 30, but 10.67 ERA in last 3 starts |
Nola’s Return Timely for Philadelphia
Nola struck out 11 in his most recent rehab outing with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, looking sharp across 5 2/3 scoreless innings. The Phillies hope he can stabilize a rotation suddenly missing Wheeler.
The 32-year-old has enjoyed success against Washington in his career, going 10-9 with a 3.75 ERA in 34 starts. However, his last outing versus the Nationals in March ended in a loss when he allowed five runs and two homers in 5 1/3 innings.
Third baseman Alec Bohm could also return to the lineup after a rehab stint. Meanwhile, Trea Turner has been red-hot, going 8-for-14 in the series so far, including his second three-hit game on Saturday.
Series Leaders So Far
| Player | Team | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Trea Turner | Phillies | 8-for-14 in the series, 2 three-hit games |
| James Wood | Nationals | 2-run double Saturday, deciding blow |
| Cade Cavalli | Nationals | 7 scoreless innings Saturday for first MLB win |
| Bryce Harper | Phillies | 3 hits in series, looking for first RBI vs. Nats this set |
Nationals Counter with Mitchell Parker
Washington (riding momentum after back-to-back wins) will hand the ball to lefty Mitchell Parker. The 25-year-old held Philadelphia scoreless in his season debut on March 30, but his recent outings have been rough — three straight losses with double-digit ERA in August.
“I gave up a couple runs and set them in motion to kind of run away with it,” Parker admitted after allowing five runs in Kansas City earlier this week.
Key Factors to Watch
- Pitching Health: Nola’s effectiveness in his first start back is critical for Philadelphia’s playoff push.
- Turner’s Hot Bat: Can Washington keep the shortstop in check after his scorching start to the series?
- Nationals’ Confidence: Washington’s young core, including Dylan Crews and Wood, has provided a spark late in the season.
For bettors, the Phillies remain favorites despite recent struggles, but Washington’s momentum makes this finale intriguing for MLB picks and live odds.
