The Washington Nationals take on the Philadelphia Phillies in the third game of their four-game series on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 6:05 PM EDT at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. With the Phillies leading the season series 7-2 after a 7-3 win on August 22, the Nationals aim to steal a game on the road in this NL East showdown. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now!
Washington Nationals
- 2025 Record (as of August 22): 49-74, 5th in NL East
- Performance Overview: The Nationals are 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.0 runs/game with a .241 batting average and a struggling 5.40 ERA. James Wood’s 25 HRs and CJ Abrams’ .265 BA lead a young offense, but their pitching staff is hampered by inconsistency and a weak bullpen.
- Strengths: Youthful lineup with speed (68 SB, 3rd in NL) and occasional clutch hitting.
- Weaknesses: Poor pitching (5.40 ERA, 29th in MLB) and a 23-38 road record.
- Player to Watch: CJ Abrams (2B) – His .265 BA and 16 HRs, including a homer in the series opener, make him a key sparkplug.
Philadelphia Phillies
- 2025 Record (as of August 22): 72-52, 1st in NL East
- Performance Overview: The Phillies are surging, with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, averaging 5.0 runs/game with a .255 batting average and a 3.65 ERA. Kyle Schwarber’s 44 HRs and Trea Turner’s .287 BA power a deep lineup, though bullpen depth remains a concern.
- Strengths: Potent offense (.414 SLG, 8th in MLB) and a dominant home record (39-21).
- Weaknesses: Bullpen inconsistency (4.00 ERA in August) and occasional defensive lapses.
- Player to Watch: Kyle Schwarber (DH) – His 44 HRs and recent multi-homer games make him a constant threat at Citizens Bank Park.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Phillies dominate the 2025 season series 7-2, including a 4-2 home record, with their latest win a 7-3 rout on August 22.
- Recent Encounter: On August 22, 2025, the Phillies won 7-3, with Schwarber hitting two homers and Ranger Suárez tossing six strong innings, outpacing Washington’s Jake Irvin.
- Key Insight: The Phillies’ power hitting overwhelms Washington’s shaky pitching, but the Nationals’ speed and young bats can exploit Philadelphia’s bullpen weaknesses.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationals | Mitchell Parker (LHP) | 7-13 | 5.83 | 129.2 | 84 | 1.45 |
| Phillies | Aaron Nola (RHP) | 1-7 | 6.92 | 78.0 | 56 | 1.50 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Mitchell Parker (Nationals)
- Strengths: Decent strikeout ability (5.8 K/9) and a changeup that generates soft contact (42% GB rate), effective when he limits walks.
- Negatives: High 5.83 ERA and 1.45 WHIP make him vulnerable to power hitters like Schwarber and Bryce Harper, especially on the road.
- Aaron Nola (Phillies)
- Strengths: Veteran experience and a knack for inducing weak contact (44% GB rate), with a 3.90 ERA at home this season.
- Negatives: Struggling with a 6.92 ERA overall and recent inconsistency (5+ runs in 3 of last 5 starts) could give Washington’s bats a chance.
Key Players to Monitor
- Washington Nationals:
- CJ Abrams (2B): .265 BA, 16 HRs, a speed-power threat with a homer in the series opener.
- James Wood (LF): 25 HRs, 78 RBI, a rising star with .261 BA.
- Paul DeJong (SS): 3 HRs in last 10 games, clutch in tight spots.
- Philadelphia Phillies:
- Kyle Schwarber (DH): 44 HRs, 102 RBI, red-hot with 3 HRs in last 3 games.
- Trea Turner (SS): .287 BA, 143 hits, a catalyst atop the lineup.
- Bryce Harper (1B): .279 BA, 21 HRs, thriving with a double in the August 22 win.
Recent Performance
- Washington Nationals: At 49-74, the Nationals are 4-6 in their last 10, scoring 39 runs while allowing 46, with their pitching struggling to contain power-heavy lineups.
- Philadelphia Phillies: At 72-52, the Phillies are 8-2 in their last 10, outscoring opponents 54-36, driven by a scorching offense.
Critical Factors
- Venue: Citizens Bank Park’s hitter-friendly dimensions (4.20 park ERA) favor the Phillies’ power bats like Schwarber and Harper.
- Weather: Forecasted at 78°F with partly cloudy skies and a light breeze, ideal for a high-scoring game.
- Momentum: The Phillies’ 8-2 surge and home dominance contrast with Washington’s road struggles and pitching woes.
- Betting Odds: Phillies favored at -170, with over/under at 8.5, reflecting their offensive edge and home advantage.
Prediction
The Philadelphia Phillies are set to continue their dominance in this series, capitalizing on Nola’s home reliability and their power-packed lineup against Parker’s shaky 5.83 ERA. Washington’s young bats, led by Abrams and Wood, could generate early runs, but Philadelphia’s offense, fueled by Schwarber’s hot streak, should overwhelm the Nationals’ weak pitching. The Phillies’ bullpen, despite recent hiccups, should close it out.
Final Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies win, 8-4. Schwarber homers again, and Nola stabilizes for six innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Philadelphia Phillies (-170) – Home-field advantage and offensive firepower make the Phillies a strong pick.
- Over 8.5 Runs – Phillies’ 5.0 runs/game and Nationals’ poor pitching suggest a high-scoring affair.
- Kyle Schwarber to Hit a Home Run (+190) – His 44 HRs and recent power surge offer excellent value against Parker.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 22, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on NBCSP or MASN 2.
