Phillies vs Nationals Preview & Prediction: Records, Pitching Matchups and More | Game - 01

The Philadelphia Phillies will square off against the Washington Nationals for a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies will look to bounce back after a defeat against the New York Mets in their last game on Thursday.

Despite the loss, the NL East leaders hold the best record in the MLB (31-14). The Nationals are third in the NL East and will enter this game on a two-game losing skid.

Phillies vs Nationals Preview

Game 1 is scheduled to take place on Friday at 6:40 PM EDT. The game can be watched on MASN and NBCSP. For those who want to stream the game online, tune into Fox Sports.

This could turn out to be an unbalanced game as the Nationals are no match for the dominating Phillies on paper. The Nationals hold a 20-22 record and lost their last two games against the struggling Chicago White Sox.

Phillies vs Nationals Pitching Matchups

The hosts will turn to their ace Zach Wheeler to secure a victory in their first game. Wheeler is coming in strong with a 4-3 record and a 2.53 ERA. The righty has 65 strikeouts in 53.1 innings pitched. Wheeler holds a spectacular WHIP of 0.99.

The Nationals will deliver Jake Irvin to the mound for Game 1. Irvin has a 2-3 record with a 3.55 ERA. In 45-plus innings pitched, Wheeler has recorded 36 strikeouts. The right-handed pitcher has a 1.09 WHIP.

Phillies vs Nationals Players to Watch

Bryce Harper

Bryce Harper has gone deep for his team on several occasions. The two-time MVP has smashed a team-high 10 home runs and 32 RBIs.

Alec Bohm

Alec Bohm has been productive this season and is slashing .333/ .400/ .921 from the plate. Bohm leads his team with 36 RBIs in 165 at-bats.

C.J. Abrams

C.J. Abrams leads the Nationals with seven home runs. Abrams has 20 RBI in 157 at-bats.

Jesse Winker

Jesse Winker has contributed to the Nationals' offense and is slashing .228/ .346/ and .721. Winker is one of those players to watch out for in this game.

Phillies vs Nationals Prediction

It's going to be a challenge for Irvin to go up against a hot-hitting team. The Phillies have scored 24 runs in their last four games and with Wheeler on the mound, they are predicted to win Game 1 against the Nationals.