Phillies vs Nationals Prediction 8/17/2025 Today’s MLB Picks

In this article we will formulate a Phillies vs Nationals prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, August 17th at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Preview

The Philadelphia Phillies are 70-53 this year after they lost two out of the first three games in this series by scores of 2-3, 6-2, and 0-2. In their game three loss, Philadelphia was able to generate plenty of baserunners, but they failed to score in the shutout loss. The Phillies recorded eight hits in the game and they were led by Turner, who went 3-4 in the loss. Philadelphia started Walker, who allowed six hits and two earned runs over 6.2 innings for the loss, while Romano and Lazar finished the game. 

Prior to this series, the Phillies lost two out of three against the Reds, but did win all three against the Rangers before that. Philadelphia has lost four of their last five games and they are currently first in the NL East standings. The Philadelphia pitching staff has a 3.71 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP and a .243 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 564 runs with a .253 batting average and a .323 on base percentage this season. Kyle Schwarber has led Philadelphia with 43 home runs and 101 RBIs, while Nick Castellanos has added 15 home runs and 60 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Philadelphia is Aaron Nola, who is 1-7 with a 6.16 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP over 49.2 innings pitched this year. 

Washington Nationals Betting Preview

The Washington Nationals are 50-73 this season after they won game three by a score of 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. Washington was able to score two runs in the fifth inning, which was enough to get the low scoring win. The Nationals recorded seven hits and they committed one error in the game, while they were led by Wood, who went 1-4 with two RBIs in the win. Washington started Cavalli, who allowed seven hits and zero earned runs over 7.0 innings for the win, while Ferrer picked up the two out save. 

Prior to this series, the Nationals lost two out of three against the Royals, but did win two out of three against the Giants before that. Washington has split their last six games and they are currently last in the NL East standings. The Washington pitching staff has a 5.29 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP and a .271 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 522 runs with a .244 batting average and a .309 on base percentage this season. James Wood has led Washington with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs, while CJ Abrams has added 16 home runs and 48 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Washington is Mitchell Parker, who is 7-13 with a 5.55 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP over 128.0 innings pitched this season. 

Why the Nationals will beat the Phillies

• The Phillies have lost four of their last five games as road favorites.
• The Nationals have won four of their last five games as underdogs against National League opponents.
• The Phillies have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games as road favorites against National League opponents.
• The Nationals have covered the run line in four of their last five games against teams that held a winning record.
• The Phillies have trailed after 5 innings in three of their last four day games at Nationals Park against National League opponents.

Why the Phillies will beat the Nationals

• The Nationals have lost each of their last nine day games at Nationals Park following a home win.
• The Phillies have won six of their last seven games against NL East opponents following a loss.
• The Nationals have failed to cover the run line in eight of their last nine day games against the Phillies following a win.
• The Phillies have covered the run line in six of their last seven games against NL East opponents following a loss.
• The Phillies have led after 5 innings in 10 of their last 13 games as favorites against NL East opponents.

Total Runs Facts

• Four of the Phillies’ last five games against NL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• Four of the Nationals’ last five games against NL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the Phillies’ last 10 day games against NL East opponents.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the last four day games between the Phillies and Nationals at Nationals Park.

Washington Nationals Player Prop Facts

• Paul DeJong has hit a home run in three of his last five appearances with the Nationals against NL opponents.
• Keibert Ruiz has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 13 appearances with the Nationals as underdogs against the Phillies.

Philadelphia Phillies Player Prop Facts

• Kyle Schwarber has hit a home run in five of the Phillies’ last nine games against the Nationals.
• Aaron Nola has recorded six or more strikeouts in seven of his last eight road appearances.
• J.T. Realmuto has recorded two or more hits in seven of his last eight appearances in day games.
• Max Kepler has recorded a Double in three of his last four appearances against the Nationals after playing the previous day.

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Phillies vs Nationals Prediction

Philadelphia comes into this contest trying to get a series split, but they have not been great on the road this year. The Phillies are 33-32 on the road this season, while the Nationals are 24-37 at home. Washington has played better in their last four games, but they are starting Parker, who has allowed 5, 4, and 8 earned runs in his last three outings. The Phillies are going with Nola, who is coming off of a lengthy IL stay, but he struggled at the start of the season. Take the over here.