Nats look to carry momentum into rematch with Phillies
The Washington Nationals wrapped a surprising homestand by going 4-3 against the Phillies and Mets, and now head back on the road for a weekend rematch with Philadelphia before finishing the trip at Yankee Stadium. After the latest stretch, the vibe around the club is upbeat as they gear up for a familiar foe and another chance to prove they can maintain their early-season momentum.
Cade Cavalli will get the ball again against the Phillies after delivering seven scoreless innings in his first major league win just six days ago. It’s a fresh challenge, though, to face the same opponent in back-to-back starts. Philadelphia likely spent the days since their last meeting looking for adjustments, and Cavalli, along with the Nationals coaching staff, will need to answer with a plan that keeps hitters off balance.
In the previous meeting, Cavalli outdueled Taijuan Walker, a 6 2/3-inning stint in which Walker gave up two runs. The decisive blow came on a two-out, two-run double by James Wood in the bottom of the fifth, the night’s lone scoring as Washington claimed a 2-0 victory.
NATIONALS at PHILLIES details
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Gametime: 6:45 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, 87.7 FM (Spanish), MLB.com
Weather: Clear, 79 degrees, wind 5 mph out to left field
NATIONALS lineup
– LF James Wood
– SS CJ Abrams
– 1B Josh Bell
– C Riley Adams
– 2B Luis García
– RF Dylan Crews
– DH Daylen Lile
– 3B Brady House
– CF Robert Hassell III
– P Cade Cavalli
PHILLIES lineup
– SS Trea Turner
– DH Kyle Schwarber
– 1B Bryce Harper
– C J.T. Realmuto
– 3B Alec Bohm
– CF Brandan Marsh
– RF Nick Castellanos
– LF Max Kepler
– 2B Bryson Stott
– P Taijuan Walker
What to watch
– Cavalli’s adjustment: After a strong first outing against Philadelphia, the rookie will try to navigate a lineup that has now seen him once. Watch for any early sequencing changes and how he attacks hitters the second time around.
– Phillies’ response: Philadelphia features a potent top of the order with Turner, Schwarber and Harper. Their approach against Cavalli could set the tone early for the series.
– Wood’s breakout factor: Wood supplied the big hit in the prior matchup and remains a key power source for Washington. His continued production could tilt the rematch in the Nationals’ favor.
Outlook
This trip is a test of consistency for Washington: can Cavalli keep his momentum going, and can the offense confirm its ability to plate enough runs to complement solid pitching? If the young right-hander continues to show poise and efficiency, the Nationals could build a stronger foundation heading into the next stop in New York.
Additional notes
– This game is part of back-to-back Phillies meetings before the trip concludes at Yankee Stadium, offering Washington a chance to extend its competitive stretch against two tough opponents.
– The atmosphere and weather at Citizens Bank Park should be favorable for a night game, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Summary
Washington is riding a positive clubhouse vibe after a productive homestand and heads to Philadelphia for a rematch with the Phillies, aiming to build on the earlier win by Cavalli and continue the momentum as they wrap up the road trip. A successful outing for Cavalli and continued offensive contributions from Wood could set the tone for a strong finish to the week.