Phillies Surge with Four Runs in the 10th, Clinch Opening Day Victory Over Nationals
- What you should know
- The Phillies beat the Nationals with a score of 7-3.
- Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber both hit home runs. solo homers .
- Pitcher Jordan Romano possessed a shaky Phillies debut .
- The Phillies lineup is expected to undergo changes following this season. , offering Bryce Harper and his team one final opportunity to get things right with this roster. forecasts for the Phillies from The Inquirer's team of writers .
- Scott Franzke is beginning his 20th season. broadcasting the Phillies game on the radio, while Recently, NBC Sports Philadelphia extended John Kruk's contract.
- Here are 25 facts you should know about the 2025 Phillies , and The trio of new players the team is counting on.
// Timestamp 03/27/25 7:35pm
Alec Bohm comes through in the 10th inning, guiding the Phillies to a season-starting victory against the Nationals.
In another universe, Alec Bohm might not have been present. Phillies ' roster on the first game day.
If any of the inquiries the Phillies received this offseason accurately reflected their evaluation of the third baseman’s trade worth, he would be suiting up for another team in a different uniform come Thursday.
However, he stepped up to bat against the Nationals during the 10th inning, hitting a two-run double into center field, which helped drive the Phillies to a 7-3 victory on opening day.
Alec Bohm comes through in the 10th inning, guiding the Phillies to an Opening Day victory against the Nationals.
— Lochlahn March
// Timestamp 03/27/25 7:21pm
An offensive outburst in the 10th inning propels the Phillies to an Opening Day victory.
Even though they struck out 19 times, the Phillies managed to score seven runs, including four in the 10th inning, leading them to beat the Nationals on opening day in Washington.
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber started the scoring with home runs in the seventh inning.
In the 10th inning, base hits from Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto secured the lead for the Phillies permanently.
Zack Wheeler fanned eight hitters over six innings. Relief pitcher Jordan Romano struggled initially, giving up two runs in the eighth frame.
— Vaughn Johnson
// Timestamp 03/27/25 7:08pm
The Phillies accumulate four runs in the 10th frame.
// Timestamp 03/27/25 6:39pm
Pitcher Jordan Romano had an uncertain start with the Phillies.
WASHINGTON — Jordan Romano's first appearance with the Phillies did not go well.
In the eighth inning on Thursday, Romano took over with a two-run advantage but surrendered two runs. He issued a leadoff walk, hit a batter, and then gave up an RBI single following a count of two strikes.
This wasn't what anybody envisioned.
The Phillies inked Romano to a one-year deal worth $8. 5 million during the offseason to bolster their relief pitching corps. This essentially amounted to an exchange of free-agent closers, where Jeff Hoffman moved to the Blue Jays to take over for Romano.
In an effort to conserve left-handed pitcher Jose Alvarado for the predominantly left-handed batting core of the Nationals in the ninth inning, Manager Rob Thomson opted to bring in Romano, who is a right-hander, during the eighth inning.
However, Romano walked Dylan Crews, followed by hitting Jacob Young with a stray slider. Once the Nationals completed a double steal, Crews came home from third base on a groundout.
Romano fanned James Wood and took the lead with a 0-2 count against Luis Garcia Jr. However, Garcia hit a single to center field, bringing in the equalizing run.
— Scott Lauber
// Timestamp 03/27/25 6:12pm
Phillies' Jordan Romano getting ready in the bullpen
— Scott Lauber
// Timestamp 03/27/25 5:46pm
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber propelled the Phillies into the lead.
WASHINGTON — It’s typical of Bryce Harper to shift the conversation.
Following 13 of the initial 18 Philadelphia hitters striking out against Washington's starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore on Thursday, Harper hit a tying home run into dead-center field off relief pitcher Lucas Sims during the seventh frame.
Two hitters later, Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run off reliever Jose A. Ferrer, giving the Phillies a 2-1 advantage.
This was Harper's sixth career Opening Day home run, but his first since 2017 with the Nationals.
— Scott Lauber
// Timestamp 03/27/25 5:33pm
MacKenzie Gore has etched his name into Nationals/Expos history.
Not great.
— Marcus Hayes
// Timestamp 03/27/25 5:19pm
The Phillies are at risk of being on the wrong side of history.
The Phillies are close to making unwanted Opening Day history.
Out of the 15 Phillies hitters who faced Nationals southpaw MacKenzie Gore over the first five innings on Thursday, 12 ended up striking out. This marks both a personal best for Gore and comes within just five Ks of matching the Phillies' franchise record of 15 punchouts, which was established earlier last season.
In the third inning, Gore retired all three batters he faced — Nick Castellanos, Bryson Stott, and Brandon Marsh — and repeated this feat in the fifth inning with Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Max Kepler. Each batter in the starting lineup has experienced at least one strikeout.
If you were curious, the Phillies hold the team record for the most strikeouts in a nine-inning game with 19, which occurred on October 6, 1991, during their 7-0 defeat against the Mets.
— Scott Lauber
// Timestamp 03/27/25 4:37pm
Kyle Schwarber secures the Phillies' first hit of 2025.
WASHINGTON — Kyle Schwarber secured the Phillies' first hit of the season.
The starting pitcher for the Nationals, MacKenzie Gore, began the game by striking out Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Alec Bohm consecutively. In the second inning, Kyle Schwarber, who was batting fourth, hit a single to center field on the very first pitch he faced.
The Phillies are still searching for their initial score of the season, with Schwarber subsequently being tagged out attempting to steal second base. In 2024, Schwarber recorded only five stolen bases.
— Lochlahn March
// Timestamp 03/27/25 4:23pm
MLB.tv facing technical problems on Opening Day
Happy Opening Day, everyone! Unless you're not from the larger Philadelphia region and were looking forward to watching on TV. MLB.tv , in this scenario, your off-season gets a little longer.
People began reporting problems with MLB.tv On Thursday afternoon, MLB's out-of-market streaming service blocked fans from viewing the initial set of games scheduled for that day. Several teams, such as the Guardians, Padres, and Mets, have shifted their streaming operations to an in-market basis. MLB.tv , and these viewers also experience blackouts.
Up until now, the service hasn't provided any updates regarding the downtime or when their services will be back online.
Upon being contacted for remarks, MLB.tv stated, "We have identified the technical problem and are currently striving to fix it at the earliest opportunity."
— Gabriela Carroll
// Timestamp 03/27/25 3:05pm
Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber will alternate as the leadoff hitter.
WASHINGTON — And the Phillies' first batter up on Opening Day will be...
Trea Turner.
At least for a single match.
Following months of discussion over whether Turner or Kyle Schwarber, who has had leadoff responsibilities for much of the past three years, should be at the top of the batting order, manager Rob Thomson decided to go with Turner when facing Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore.
However, as the Phillies prepare to go up against a right-handed pitcher (Jake Irvin) in their second game of the season on Saturday, Schwarber is expected to take the leadoff position in the batting order.
“I’m simply going to attempt wiggling it by having Trea bat first against left-handed pitchers and Schwarber start off against right-handers, and then we’ll see how things progress,” Thomson stated, reaffirming the choice he made towards the end of spring training. “While this is quite a significant call, we also have the option to make changes later.”
The Phillies anticipate that occupying the leadoff position will encourage Turner to swing at fewer pitches outside the strike zone. Thomson mentioned that he believes Turner has been more cautious during spring training.
Thomson mentioned, 'He managed the strike zone much more effectively.' He added, 'Everyone experiences moments when they lose their rhythm and step away from it, but he performed quite admirably.'
— Scott Lauber
// Timestamp 03/27/25 3:01pm
Pitcher Suárez stays in Clearwater for his rehabilitation process.
WASHINGTON — Ranger Suárez will start the season on the 15-day injured list due to lower back stiffness. He remained at the Phillies training facility in Clearwater, Florida, to keep working on his recovery.
Manager Rob Thomson mentioned that Suárez participated in a "light toss" on level ground on Thursday, and plans are set for him to pitch a 25-pitch bullpen session from the mound on Saturday. Since his placement on the injured list has been retroactively dated back to March 24, Suárez could potentially return as early as April 8 when they play in Atlanta.
Suárez was sidelined for almost a month last season due to lower back pain, although he mentioned that his present injury isn’t as serious.
“It’s different than last year, very different from last year,” Suárez said last week through a team interpreter. “I mean, it’s just mild discomfort compared to last year. Last year was a bigger deal.”
— Lochlahn March
// Timestamp 03/27/25 1:43pm
Ryan Howard remembers pitching against Zack Wheeler when he was still part of the Mets.
(Note: There seems to be an error as Ryan Howard is primarily known as a hitter and not a pitcher. However, I've maintained the original wording.)
Before the Philadelphia Phillies faced off against the Washington Nationals on Opening Day, ex-Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard made an appearance. WIP Midday Show To talk about the squad's approaching season.
You've still gotta be enthusiastic about the team," Howard stated. "This year, I believe the division will be both thrilling and quite tense. The Mets clearly stepped up their game and delivered some exceptional performances. They acquired Juan Soto; he isn’t too shabby as either a person or a player. Adding him makes the competition even more compelling. However, I feel that with the Phillies, they should concentrate on staying true to who they are and sticking to their style of play. If they do that, I reckon they'll fare well.
The Phillies concluded their previous season with 95 wins and secured the National League East title. As they head into this new season, their squad has remained unchanged. In contrast, rival teams within the same division, like the New York Mets—who disrupted the Phillies' plans during the 'Red October'—have bolstered their lineup by signing 26-year-old megastar Juan Soto as a free agent.
Even with the Mets' recent signing, Howard remained more fixated on the team’s ex-pitcher, Zack Wheeler, who is set to pitch for the Phillies this Thursday.
I was unfortunately fortunate to encounter Zack when he was playing for the Mets during their period with Zack, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey—all those pitchers. In my opinion, Zack stood out among them," Wheeler stated. "While everyone threw incredibly hard, the standout feature about Zack was his pitch movement compared to the others. That aspect made him particularly impressive to me.
Certainly, Wheeler had the upper hand over the ex-Phillies power hitter. Facing Wheeler in nine at-bats, Howard only managed one hit and fanned three times. according to Baseball Reference .
I believe he’s simply finding his footing... He feels at home here in Philadelphia," Howard stated. "Thus, he’s just out there enjoying himself.
— Ariel Simpson
// Timestamp 03/27/25 12:41pm
The Phillies' starting lineup for their Opening Day game
// Timestamp 03/27/25 12:15pm
Bryson Stott continues to embrace the Phillies' 'daycare.'
// Timestamp 03/27/25 11:00am
Phillies opening day roster
- Infielders: Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner
- Outfielders: Nick Castellanos, Max Kepler, Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas
- Catchers: J.T. Realmuto, Rafael Marchán
- Utility: Kody Clemens, Edmundo Sosa
- Designated hitter: Kyle Schwarber
- Relief pitchers: José Alvarado, Tanner Banks, Carlos Hernández, Orion Kerkering, Jordan Romano, Joe Ross, José Ruiz, Matt Strahm
- Starting pitchers: Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Christopher Sanchez, Taijuan Walker, Zack Wheeler
Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez will start the season on the injured list due to a strained back. He should return to pitching duties later this month.
Taijuan Walker will take over as the team's fifth starter, stepping in for Suarez on an interim basis.
The team additionally put Weston Wilson on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left oblique muscle. He endured difficulties during spring training earlier this month.
Left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm was removed from the Phillies' last spring training match. Earlier this week, after damaging a fingernail while packing, they are anticipated to be ready for Thursday's opening game.
— Rob Tornoe
// Timestamp 03/27/25 10:57am
2025 Phillies special section: explore all our articles
The Phillies are set to start their 2025 season in just a few hours, and the most effective way to catch up is by taking a look at The Inquirer's special section , discovered in the Thursday edition of the newspaper.
If you are a digital subscriber, below are links to all the articles featured in this morning’s printed edition:
- What is the length of Topper's leash? — columnist Marcus Hayes
- The team's strength lies in its depth. — Scott Lauber
- New arrivals have plenty to demonstrate. — Lochlahn March
- Predicting the 2025 season — staff
- 'Urgency felt': Entering their fourth year, the Phillies remain centered around the core built with Bryce Harper. — Scott Lauber
- Is everything in place for a World Series victory? — columnist Mike Sielski
- Franzke hits back at call-in games on WIP, as television brings in a recognizable face. — Rob Tornoe
- The 'Daycare' threesome has matured. Could they be the foundation for the next group? — Lochlahn March
- Meet the 2025 Phillies — Lochlahn March and Scott Lauber
— Rob Tornoe
// Timestamp 03/27/25 10:13am
Bryce Harper: Predictions for 2025 and an important question as the season approaches
Position: 1B | Age: 32 | Bats/Throws: Left/Right
Contract status: The seventh season of a 13-year, $330 million agreement.
2025 outlook: It’s insane to consider that Harper is at the middle point of his 13-year, $330 million deal . There have been unforgettable moments , ranging from the walk-off grand slam in 2019 to the pennant-clinching home run in 2022 and his 300th career home run in 2023. Throughout Bryce Harper's era with the Phillies, they've recorded an increasing number of wins per full season—from 81 in 2019 up to 82 in 2021, then 87 in 2022, followed by 90 in 2023, and finally reaching 95 victories last year. This progression illustrates their improvement over time. trending toward Cooperstown For number 3. The only thing absent now is a World Series ring.
Key question: Could he secure a Gold Glove award for his performance at first base? Harper could be the top choice since Christian Walker is not competing in the National League anymore. his first complete season after switching roles Last season, Harper was the second-most valuable first baseman defensively in the National League, recording a fielding run value of +5 according to Statcast metrics.
Stats projection from ZiPS DC : .284/.380/.519, 31 home runs, 98 runs batted in, 145 weighted On-Base Average Plus, 4.7 Wins Above Replacement.
Get to Know the 2025 Phillies: Predictions for the Season and Key Questions for Each Player— Scott Lauber , Lochlahn March
// Timestamp 03/27/25 9:00am
The Phillies' 2025 hype video highlights Brandon Graham.
// Timestamp 03/27/25 7:30am
The Phillies have traded the right-handed pitcher Tyler Phillips to the Marlins.
The Phillies reported that right-handed pitcher Tyler Phillips was exchanged with the Marlins for financial considerations.
Phillips, a graduate of Bishop Eustace who was raised in South Jersey was a heartwarming tale from last season following three strong appearances (with two being exceptionally good) at the beginning of his major league journey.
The Phillies possess five seasoned starting pitchers along with Taijuan Walker, who is under a four-year, $72 million deal extending until next year. Additionally, Phillips lacked minor league options, which means he couldn't be reassigned to the minors unless he went unclaimed through waivers.
In his third Major League appearance last July, Phillips threw a four-hitter shutout against the Cleveland Guardians, though he ended up with a 6.87 ERA over eight games during the previous season. Throughout spring training, he was aware that multiple team scouts might be watching him pitch.
There are 29 other teams out there. However, this is the one I truly enjoy following, Phillips said last month. I've run out of alternatives. I get that. Once again, this is a team I wish to remain part of. My enthusiasm for this team, my teammates, and the city runs deep.
— Scott Lauber
// Timestamp 03/27/25 7:25am
Here are five surprising facts about the Phillies before Opening Day:
1. The Philadelphia Phillies were established all the way back in 1883.
2. They have won two World Series titles: one in 1980 and another in 2008.
3. Hall-of-Fame pitcher Steve Carlton spent most of his career with the team from 1972-1986.
4. Their mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, was introduced in 1978 and has become an iconic figure in sports entertainment.
5. In their history, seven players have had their numbers retired including Mike Schmidt and Roy Oswalt.
- The Phillies are set to play a three-game series against the Yankees in the Bronx beginning on July 25. This date coincides with the two-year mark since pitching prospect Andrew Painter underwent Tommy John surgery on his valuable right arm. It would be great if he could join the rotation by then.
- This season, the Phillies will have six games played in minor league ballparks. (Yes, should we say 'stadia'? Nope. We mean 'stadiums'.) To be specific, between May 6th and 8th, they'll face off against the Tampa Bay Rays at Steinbrenner Field with room for up to 11,026 spectators due to significant storm-related destruction at Tropicana Field back in November. Then from May 23rd through May 25th, the team will compete against the A’s in Sacramento, California, at Sutter Health Park which seats about 14,000 fans, coinciding with the Athletics’ move from Oakland to Las Vegas.
- Aaron Nola is just 32 starts shy of joining the ranks as the fourth pitcher to start 300 games for the Phillies—a noteworthy accomplishment these days. The three pitchers ahead of him include Steve Carlton with 499 starts, Robin Roberts with 472, and Chris Short with exactly 301. Throughout his career, Nola has amassed 268 starts overall, including an impressive 208 starts since 2018, which leads all major league players during that period. Notably, Zack Wheeler follows closely behind with 193 starts within the same timeframe.
- Phillies manager Rob Thomson is third among active managers with a .575 career regular-season winning percentage (250-185). Who are the two ahead of him? Dave Roberts (.627, 851-507) and Aaron Boone (.584, 603-429).
- Entering his 14th Major League season, Bryce Harper has averaged 25 home runs during his six-year tenure with the Phillies. Which player currently holds the franchise record for the highest number of home runs scored in their 14th season? That would be Jim Thome, who slugged 42 home runs back in 2004. Following closely behind him are Raul Ibanez with 34 home runs in 2009 and Mike Schmidt with 33 in 1985. The overall MLB leader in this category is Mark McGwire (asterisk), who hit an astounding 65 home runs in 1999, trailed by Babe Ruth’s impressive tally of 60 home runs in 1927. Well done, Babe!
— Ed Barkowitz
// Timestamp 03/27/25 7:20am
Three newly acquired Phillies team members will step onto the field.
When the Phillies obtained Jesús Luzardo, aged 27, from Miami during the offseason in return for two prospects, their hope was that he would regain the performance level he had shown two years prior.
In 2023, he recorded a 3.58 ERA across his highest-ever inning count of 178⅔, and was designated as the starting pitcher for game one against the Phillies in the National League wildcard series with the Marlins.
He wasn’t the only player the Phillies took a chance on this offseason. Actually, betting on players with recent health issues was a recurring strategy for them in significant acquisitions: new reliever Jordan Romano and new center fielder Max Kepler both dealt with injuries during the truncated 2024 campaign.
Romano's most recent game with the Blue Jays was on May 29 prior to him having surgery for a right elbow impingement. Kepler's last season withMinnesota concluded in September due to patellar tendinitis in his left knee, and he had also been dealing with a hip issue well before then.
This year, the Phillies chose not to dive into the high-profile free-agent market. As they embark on their renewed pursuit of the World Series title, they're counting on three new players who have something significant to demonstrate as potentially pivotal additions.
The Phillies have placed their bets on three new players who have much to demonstrate. The potential rewards could be significant for everyone involved.— Lochlahn March
// Timestamp 03/27/25 7:15am
Will the Phillies finally break through this season?
Given that a season spans 162 games over 186 days in this sport, capturing a division championship stands as the pinnacle of collective success. This accomplishment hinges not only on having skilled players but also on maintaining stamina and building a robust team structure throughout the organization.
The playoffs, on the other hand, hinge on timing.
Bryce Harper stated, "When teams catch fire in baseball—similarly in hockey, when a team gets into a winning streak—it's like, 'Wow, be cautious of them.' We must secure the victories we should and ensure they aren’t squandered away. Everything else will naturally fall into place."
It would be simpler to doubt the Phillies' ability to perform well in the playoffs if they hadn’t made their World Series appearance in 2022. However, the same players who fell short in the previous couple of seasons are also the ones who defeated the Cardinals, surprised the Braves, overcame the Padres, and managed to win two out of the first three games against the Astros during that surprising journey back when this all happened three years ago.
In a brief series, momentum can bounce around unpredictably. During the 2022 World Series, the Phillies smashed five home runs in Game 3 but were held without a hit in Game 4. In the 2023 National League Championship Series, they dominated with blowout wins in the first two games before squandering late leads in both Game 3 and Game 4.
The previous year, everything shifted following the Mets' surge of scoring five runs off the Phillies' relief pitchers in the eighth inning, which ruined Wheeler's stellar performance and led to them claiming victory in Game 1 at Citizens Bank Park.
We aren't satisfied with our playoff performance, nor do we meet the standards we set for ourselves," stated J.T. Realmuto. "However, this isn't due to lack of skill. We're aware that we possess the ability to defeat these teams. Last year demonstrated this when we secured victory over the Dodgers in the regular season matchups. Now, we simply need to perform consistently during crucial moments.
In October, timing remains crucial. The Phillies have one final opportunity to set things right.
An earlier group of Phillies players encountered the same obstacle. Following their defeat in theNLCS for three straight years from 1976 to 1978 and failing to make the playoffs in 1979, team owner Ruly Carpenter gave them an ultimatum: Claim the World Series title, or else the lineup would undergo significant changes.
In the seventh year under Bryce Harper's leadership, the Phillies have one final opportunity to get things right with this current group of players.— Scott Lauber
Philly's Opening Day: Where to Watch and Stream
Here’s all the information you need to catch the Phillies' first game of the season against the Washington Nationals, whether you’re watching live or streaming online:
- Phillies at Washington Nationals
- Time: 3:05 p.m.
- Location: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
- TV: NBC10 (Tom McCarthy, John Kruk)
- Radio: 94.1 WIP (Scott Franzke, Kevin Stocker)
- Streaming: Peacock, MLB.TV (requires a subscription), NBC Sports app (requires cable login)
— Rob Tornoe
// Timestamp 03/27/25 7:00am
©2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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