- Get betting predictions and analysis for Phillies vs. Nationals on Opening Day.
- First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park.
- My Phillies vs. Nationals prediction is Philadelphia’s moneyline value (-165).
The Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals will meet as part of MLB’s 14-game slate on Opening Day. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. ET on Thursday at Nationals Park.
The Phillies are trying to make the most of their current window after three straight postseason appearances. They won the NL East title last year, but were eliminated in the NLDS following deeper runs as a wild-card team in 2022 (World Series loss) and 2023 (NLCS).
Washington has been in a rebuild since winning the 2019 World Series, but its young players are ready to take the next step.
Here’s a look at the latest MLB betting odds and my Phillies vs. Nationals prediction for Opening Day.
Phillies vs. Nationals Odds: Thursday, March 27
- Phillies moneyline: -175
- Nationals moneyline: +145
- Game total: 7 (-120/+100)
Phillies vs. Nationals Opening Day Starting Pitchers
Zack Wheeler has been announced as the starting pitcher for the Phillies on Opening Day. It marks his second career Opening Day start after he threw six shutout innings against the Atlanta Braves last year.
Left-hander MacKenzie Gore will start for the Nationals. Gore, 26, posted a 3.90 ERA in 32 starts last year and has been impressive this spring.
- Phillies starting pitcher: Zack Wheeler
- Nationals starting pitcher: MacKenzie Gore
Phillies vs. Nationals Prediction for Opening Day
Based on the current MLB betting market, I like Philadelphia’s moneyline value (-165) as my Phillies vs. Nationals prediction for Opening Day.
There is only one team with steeper moneyline odds on Opening Day than the Phillies, but that’s for a good reason. There is a clear pitching advantage for the visitors, with Wheeler recording a 2.57 ERA in 200 innings last year.
In his career, Wheeler has made 35 starts against the Nationals, posting a 4.45 ERA in 208 1/3 innings. He went 2-0 with a 2.29 ERA in three starts against Washington last year, striking out 23 batters in 19 2/3 innings.
The Phillies have lost their season opener in back-to-back years, but I expect that trend to end.
The Nationals have dropped five of their last six Opening Day matchups.
Phillies vs. Nationals Prediction: Phillies Moneyline (-165)
- Pick made on March 18.
How to Watch Phillies vs. Nationals on Opening Day
- Date: Thursday, March 27
- Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Location: Nationals Park
- TV info: MASN (MLB TV)
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Nationals 2025 Schedule
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