The Philadelphia Phillies began their 2025 season on the road against the Washington Nationals . The opening day game took place on Thursday, March 27, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C
Opening Day Matchup
The Phillies faced the Nationals in the first game of a three-game series . The first pitch was scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET . The game was broadcast on NBC 10 and NBCSP+, with streaming options available on the NBC Sports app and MLB.tv for out-of-market fans . Fans could also listen to the radio broadcast on 94 WIP, with Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen providing commentary .
Starting Pitchers
Zack Wheeler, the Phillies’ ace, made his second consecutive Opening Day start . In his previous Opening Day start, Wheeler pitched six innings, allowing five hits and striking out five . The Washington Nationals countered with MacKenzie Gore as their starting pitcher .
Opening Day Festivities at Nationals Park
The Washington Nationals planned several pre-game festivities for Opening Day . The first 20,000 fans in attendance received an Opening Day “Next Gen Natitude” t-shirt . Actor and former WWE wrestler Dave Bautista was a special guest, and Washington Post columnist Thomas Boswell threw out the first pitch . The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington performed “American the Beautiful,” and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser gave the call to “play ball”. Other highlights included an appearance by the Budweiser Clydesdales, red carpet player introductions, and the unfurling of a giant American flag .
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast for Opening Day at Nationals Park was favorable . Despite a chilly morning with below-freezing conditions, the day was expected to bring ample sunshine, light winds, and temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit .
Phillies’ Roster and Lineup
The Phillies’ roster saw some changes, with Jesús Luzardo being a significant addition to the starting rotation . Luzardo’s arrival was expected to bolster the rotation, addressing a weakness from the previous season . The rotation included Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, and Ranger Suárez . However, Suárez began the season on the injured list due to back tightness, with Taijuan Walker filling in . Max Kepler, acquired from the Minnesota Twins, was set to be the everyday left fielder 6. Kody Clemens secured the final bench spot .
Nationals’ Outlook
The Nationals entered the 2025 season with optimism, focusing on developing their young core of players . After a rebuilding phase, the team aimed to progress from a collection of promising talents to a competitive contender .
Game Developments
Through the first four innings, the game remained scoreless, with both teams allowing only one hit . Phillies’ pitcher Zack Wheeler recorded five strikeouts in the same period .
Phillies-Nationals History on Opening Day
The 2025 Opening Day game marked the fifth time the Phillies and Nationals have met on Opening Day since 2005, when the Montreal Expos relocated to Washington . The series was tied, with each team having won two of the previous four games . Overall, the Phillies held a 5-3 advantage in Opening Day matchups against the Expos/Nationals franchise . It was only the second time in the past seven seasons that the Phillies began their season away from Citizens Bank Park
New Features at Nationals Park
Fans attending the game at Nationals Park could enjoy several new amenities and food options . A brand-new food hall featured diverse cuisines from 12 local restaurants, including Ahi tuna ballpark nachos. A renovated team shop allowed fans to create their own baseball cards . The Nationals also offered their new City Connect uniforms, named the District Blueprint, for purchase .
Broadcast Details
- TV: NBC 10, NBCSP+
- Streaming: NBC Sports app, MLB.tv
- Radio: 94 WIP
Looking Ahead
The Phillies’ home opener was scheduled for Monday, March 31, against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park . This game was set to kick off a six-game homestand .
Additional Information
- First pitch: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Gates opened at 2 p.m.
Summary
The Philadelphia Phillies commenced their 2025 season against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Zack Wheeler started for the Phillies, facing MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals. The game was a significant event, marked by pre-game festivities and new amenities at the stadium. The Phillies aimed to start strong, building on their aspirations for the 2025 season.
