That is where the Phillies found their bats. Philadelphia scored six runs in the first two innings. Despite seeing Washington tie the game at 6, the Phillies dominated the middle innings, scoring the next five runs, and holding on to 11-9 victory.

Sure, the Phillies rallied for an 11-9 victory, scoring five runs against the last-place Nationals’ putrid bullpen and surviving a three-run rally in the ninth that brought the tying run to the plate and forced manager Rob Thomson to use closer Jhoan Duran.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola's first start after returning from the injured list didn't last long.

SportsLine's model simulated Philadelphia vs. Washington 10,000 times and revealed its MLB picks and predictions

Phillies starter Aaron Nola returned from injury and struggled, which ballooned his ERA to 6.92 in just 10 starts.

Aaron Nola hit another wall in his return, but the Phillies were able to overcome it to split a four-game set in D.C., though now with the high uncertainy of Zack Wheeler's status looming.

The Phillies entered the weekend with one of the best rotations in the league. Much of that stability changed in about 24 hours.

That is where the Phillies found their bats. Philadelphia scored six runs in the first two innings. Despite seeing Washington tie the game at 6, the Phillies dominated the middle innings, scoring the next five runs, and holding on to 11-9 victory.

The Phillies and their pitching staff will have their work cut out for them if Zack Wheeler, the club's long-time ace, is not available for the remainder of 2025.

Cade Cavalli earned his first major league victory, James Wood hit a two-run double, and the Washington Nationals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 on Saturday. Cavalli struck out five and scattered seven hits over seven innings for Washington. The last-place Nationals have won three of four.