The Nationals will get another chance to face off against the Phillies, revisiting their opening day contest, as they travel to Philadelphia for a three-game series starting Tuesday. The rematch on the mound will occur in their first game of the series, scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m. ET.
In this game, Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore (2-3, 3.34) is set to pitch against Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (2-1, 3.62). Both pitchers previously squared off on opening day at Nationals Park. Gore performed exceptionally in that contest, limiting his opponent to one hit and no runs over six innings while recording a career-high 13 strikeouts and no walks. His overall performance since April has been a mix of wins and losses; his most recent outing against Baltimore resulted in a loss, where he pitched six innings, allowed four hits, two earned runs, one walk, and recorded eight strikeouts. Across six starts, Gore has accumulated 53 strikeouts and nine walks in 35 innings.
Wheeler mirrored Gore’s effectiveness on opening day, delivering six innings of work while surrendering two hits, one earned run, and two walks with eight strikeouts. In his latest game against the New York Mets, Wheeler posted a no-decision after pitching six innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, striking out nine, and issuing two walks. Across six starts, he has amassed 50 strikeouts and eight walks in 37.1 innings.
While the Phillies have yet to announce their probable starter for the second game, also scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, the Nationals will take the mound with right-hander Jake Irvin (2-0, 3.19). Irvin previously faced the Phillies on March 29, where he allowed seven hits and two runs over five innings, striking out two and walking two, finishing with a no-decision. In his recent start against the Mets, he pitched 7.1 innings, giving up five hits and one earned run, with four strikeouts and one walk. In six starts, Irvin has recorded 31 strikeouts and eight walks in 36.2 innings.
On Thursday’s game, set for a 6:45 p.m. ET start, the Nationals will feature right-hander Brad Lord (0-3, 4.57), who will face a Phillies starter yet to be determined. Lord, preparing for his fifth start of the season, incurred a loss in his previous outing against the Mets after pitching four innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs, while striking out three without issuing a walk. Across seven appearances (four starts), he has tallied 13 strikeouts and nine walks in 17.1 innings, stepping into the rotation following Michael Soroka’s injury.