In a thrilling start to the 2025 MLB season, the Philadelphia Phillies edged out the Washington Nationals 7-3 in extra innings on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Nationals Park. The game showcased a remarkable performance from both teams, highlighted by standout moments from key players.
After a somewhat shaky offseason filled with trade rumors surrounding Alec Bohm, the Phillies' third baseman proved his worth by delivering a crucial two-out, two-run double in the 10th inning. This pivotal hit scored Bryson Stott and Bryce Harper, propelling the Phillies to a 5-3 lead. The excitement didn't stop there; J.T. Realmuto followed up with a triple that added two more runs, making it a commanding 7-3 as the Phillies began their quest to defend their National League East title.
Despite the victory, the Phillies faced a significant challenge throughout the game, striking out a staggering 19 times. This high strikeout count underscores the Nationals' impressive pitching, particularly from MacKenzie Gore, who set a franchise record for Opening Day strikeouts with a career-high 13.
The Nationals initially took the lead in the fifth inning when catcher Keibert Ruiz launched a two-out solo home run, giving them a 1-0 advantage. Ruiz's powerful hit came off Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who was otherwise dominant, allowing just two hits and striking out eight through six innings.
Wheeler, who had a stellar 2024 season, continued to impress on Opening Day. His final stat line included six innings pitched, two hits allowed, one earned run, and eight strikeouts, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league. After a strong performance, Wheeler's ERA remains an impressive 2.94 over his five seasons with the Phillies.
As the game progressed, it became a battle of wills between the two aces. Wheeler's counterpart, MacKenzie Gore, was equally formidable, shutting out the Phillies for six innings and facing the minimum number of batters at one point. The left-hander's performance was crucial for the Nationals, keeping them in the game until the very end.
However, the tide turned in the seventh inning when Bryce Harper, who faced boos from the Washington crowd, silenced the critics with a powerful solo home run that tied the game at 1-1. Kyle Schwarber followed suit with another solo shot, giving the Phillies a 2-1 lead. The back-to-back homers energized the Phillies and their fans, showcasing the team's offensive depth.
The Phillies added another run in the eighth inning, extending their lead to 3-1. Max Kepler's double set the stage for Nick Castellanos' single, and a wild pitch allowed Kepler to score, putting the Phillies in a comfortable position. However, the Nationals were not done yet.
In the eighth inning, Jordan Romano struggled in his new role with the Phillies, walking the first batter he faced and hitting the next with a pitch. Both runners advanced and scored on a two-out RBI single by Luis Garcia Jr., tying the game at 3-3 and sending it into extra innings.
After a tense ninth inning where the Phillies had a chance to regain the lead but fell short, the game moved to the 10th. Bohm's clutch hit in the 10th inning proved to be the game-winner, and Realmuto's triple sealed the deal, ensuring the Phillies walked away with a victory.
In the end, Matt Strahm closed out the game with a perfect bottom of the 10th inning, allowing the Phillies to celebrate their Opening Day win. The victory sets a positive tone for the season ahead as they look to build on their success from the previous year.
Looking ahead, the Phillies are set to continue their series against the Nationals, with Jesús Luzardo making his debut on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Fans are eager to see how Luzardo will contribute to the team's pitching staff as the season progresses.
As the dust settles from this exhilarating Opening Day, both the Phillies and the Nationals will take valuable lessons into their next games. For the Phillies, the performance of their stars, particularly Bohm, Harper, and Wheeler, provides a glimpse of the potential that lies ahead. Meanwhile, the Nationals will look to build on the strong performance of Gore and their offensive capabilities as they aim for a more competitive season.
