The Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals will conclude their three-game set at Citizens Bank Park on May 1, 2025, with both teams heading in very different directions. The Phillies come into the finale riding a four-game win streak and sitting at 17–13 overall, aiming for a sweep and looking to further establish their place in the upper echelon of the National League. In contrast, the Nationals have dropped two straight in the series and find themselves at 13–18, still searching for consistent footing as they navigate a season marked by growing pains and roster development. Thursday’s pitching matchup puts Philadelphia’s veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker on the mound, bringing a 1–2 record but showing signs of rounding into form. The Nationals counter with righty Brad Lord, who is still searching for his first major league win and enters the game 0–3, carrying the pressure of trying to slow down one of the hottest offenses in baseball. The Phillies are favored heavily (-171 on the moneyline), and with good reason—they’ve excelled both offensively and defensively during their current winning streak, outscoring opponents with timely hitting and getting strong outings from both the rotation and bullpen. Offensively, Philadelphia has been rolling thanks to a balanced attack that includes veteran sluggers and emerging contributors. While Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber draw much of the attention, players throughout the lineup have contributed during this winning stretch, showcasing the kind of depth and flexibility that good teams possess. The Phillies have thrived by mixing power with situational hitting, turning walks and singles into big innings, and applying constant pressure to opposing pitchers.

On the mound, Walker’s recent form suggests he’s settling into a groove, and if he can give five to six solid innings, the Phillies’ bullpen—anchored by strong late-inning arms—should be more than capable of closing things out. Defensively, Philadelphia has also been sharp, committing few errors and consistently backing their pitchers with smart, efficient fielding. The Nationals, on the other hand, continue to struggle with consistency in all facets. While there’s promising talent on the roster, including the likes of CJ Abrams and James Wood, Washington’s offense has been unable to string together big innings or consistently deliver in run-scoring situations. Their bullpen has been erratic, and their defense has contributed to more pressure than necessary on a young starting staff. For Lord, limiting damage in the first few innings will be critical—falling behind early has been a consistent problem for the Nationals, especially against teams like Philadelphia that know how to play from ahead. If Washington is to avoid the sweep, they’ll need a near-perfect game: quality innings from Lord, clutch hitting, and error-free defense. That’s a big ask against a Phillies team clicking on all cylinders. As May begins and teams start to separate in the standings, this game could be another stepping stone for the Phillies as they push toward the top of the NL East, while the Nationals continue to seek a foothold and prove they can compete against contenders. With momentum on Philadelphia’s side and a matchup advantage in multiple areas, the odds are firmly in their favor to complete the sweep at home.