My name is Austin Harrelson, and I am the newest writer here at Federal Baseball!
Baseball has always been more than just a game to me- it’s a story unfolding with every pitch and every hit. As a sports journalist covering the Washington Nationals, I am excited to give you a different perspective about your favorite team with in-game analysis, player spotlights, and game breakdowns.
I am excited to meet a new community with so many different perspectives and opinions. Let’s go Nats!
Nationals v. Phillies (3/27, 3/29, 3/30)
Opening Day is one of the best days in sports. Every baseball fan loves the warm weather, shining sun, and electric atmosphere. For Washington National fans, this season opener means more than just the start of the season. Starting off against the 2024 National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies, Washington’s young core looks to put all of MLB on notice heading into the 2025 season.
The Washington Nationals are coming off a disappointing 2024 season, finishing 71-91 and fourth in the National League East.
The Philadelphia Phillies are aiming for back-to-back division titles after finishing with a 95-67 before falling to the division rival New York Mets in the National League Divisional Series.
Washington Nationals v. Philadelphia Phillies History
- All-Time Record: 453-495 (Phillies)
- 2024 Regular Season Record: 4-9 (Phillies)
Nationals Rotation
Game One: LHP MacKenzie Gore
2024 Stats:
- 10-12 Record
- 166.1 Innings
- 3.90 ERA
- 103 ERA+
Game Two: RHP Jake Irvin
2024 Stats:
- 10-14 Record
- 187.2 Innings
- 4.41 ERA
- 91 ERA+
Game Three: RHP Trevor Williams
2024 Stats:
- 6-1 Record
- 66.2 Innings
- 2.03 ERA
- 199 ERA+
Phillies Rotation
Game One: RHP Zach Wheeler
2024 Stats:
- 16-7 Record
- 200 Innings
- 2.57 ERA
- 158 ERA+
Game Two: LHP Jesus Luzardo
2024 Stats:
- 3-6 Record
- 66.2 Innings
- 5.00 ERA
- 91 ERA+
Game Three: RHP Aaron Nola
2024 Stats:
- 14-8 Record
- 199.1 Innings
- 3.57 ERA
- 114 ERA+
Washington’s pitching staff is led by former top prospect MacKenzie Gore, but the rest of the rotation is a question mark. With a young, inexperienced staff Washington could struggle against a World Series contending squad like Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is bolstering one of the best rotations in baseball. Featuring perennial Cy Young contender Zach Wheeler, former All-Star Aaron Nola, 2024 All-Star Cristopher Sanchez, and newest addition Jesus Luzardo. Even with Ranger Suarez being put on the Injured List, Philadelphia has the depth and talent to compete against any team in all of baseball.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS KEY-POINTS
- The lineup is led by the young core of James Wood, Dylan Crews, and C.J. Abrams
- Young, unproven pitching staff
- Nathanial Lowe and Josh Bell are much-needed bats
2025 Goals:
- Development of the young core (Wood, Crews, Abrams)
- Figure out a long-term third baseman
- Find long-term rotation arms
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES KEY-POINTS
- The lineup is led by former Nats Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber
- Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott are underrated at the end of the lineup
- Top three bullpen in the MLB with Jose Alvarado, Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering
2025 Goals:
- World Series or bust
- Keep Bryce Harper healthy
- Find a more consistent bat in the outfield
Washington’s expectations are low, but for the first time in what feels like ages, this team could be exciting to watch. James Wood, C.J. Abrams, and Dylan Crews might be among the most exciting young cores in the MLB, and that should be enough for fans to tune into games in 2025.
