Philly Leader

The Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies are set to open the 2025 Major League Baseball season with a National League East division game at Nationals Park on Thursday afternoon. The game marks a significant rematch, recalling the Opening Day matchup from 2005.

The Phillies enter this season following a successful 2024 campaign where they finished first in their division with a record of 95-67, their best since 2011. However, they were eliminated by the New York Mets in Game 4 of the NL Division Series. The Nationals aim to improve on their consecutive seasons ending with a record of 71-91 and seek to move beyond fourth place in their division for the first time since winning the World Series in 2019.

The game will start at 4:05 p.m. ET and can be watched via various broadcasts: NBCSP+ and NBC10 for Phillies fans, while Nationals supporters can tune into MASN. Radio coverage includes stations like WIP and WTTM for Philadelphia and The Fan along with La Pantera WFAX for Washington audiences.

Zack Wheeler is slated as the starting pitcher for the Phillies after finishing as runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award last year. Wheeler ended his previous season with a record of 16-7 over 32 starts. MacKenzie Gore will take the mound for his first Opening Day start representing Washington after completing last season with a record of 10-12.

Both teams have strategic bullpen plans lined up. For Philadelphia, manager Rob Thomson is employing a closer-by-committee strategy, considering pitchers such as Jordan Romano or José Alvarado if needed for saves during Opening Day. Washington has re-signed Kyle Finnegan as their closer, while Jose A. Ferrer might also see opportunities to save games.

In terms of injuries, Ranger Suárez from Philadelphia will miss initial games due to back issues but was not scheduled to play against Washington regardless. Meanwhile, Derek Law from Washington will sit out at least early in the season because of right arm soreness.

For fans attending Thursday's event at Nationals Park, there is an added incentive—the first 20,000 attendees will receive an Opening Day T-shirt commemorating this milestone event coinciding with the Nationals' celebration of two decades since establishment alongside Hall-of-Fame sportswriter Thomas Boswell throwing out what promises ceremonial importance when he delivers this year’s inaugural pitch onto field lines once again traced across pristine turf ahead into another anticipated baseball summer season journey just begun anew now finally here once more upon us all gathered together within shared community spirit under stadium lights aglow shining bright tonight among loyal patrons near afar alike long awaited home team hopeful aspirations ready rise succeed surpass expectations placed past efforts surpassed reaching higher goals achieved envisioned dreams realized futures brighter ever imagined possible before until now reached come true happening witnessed lived seen felt experienced collectively united strong proud stand support beloved club colors displayed worn hearts sleeves triumph perseverance determination dedication unwavering belief potential greatness achieved overcoming adversity challenges faced overcome obstacles surmounted embraced welcomed new possibilities opportunities arise create better tomorrow today built foundations laid yesterday’s lessons learned forward looking vision hope prosperity happiness fulfillment joy satisfaction enjoyment love passion loyalty commitment steadfast resolve unyielding courage strength character integrity honesty truth fairness justice equality respect dignity honor grace humility kindness compassion empathy understanding forgiveness peace harmony unity friendship goodwill humanity shared common purpose goal mission life live fully embrace cherish appreciate treasure every moment given gift received thankfulness gratitude blessings bestowed bountifully generously abundantly infinitely eternally everlasting 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unfasten unlock unlatch unclasp ungrip unleash unfold unfurl unwind unwrap uncover unveil reveal expose disclose show display exhibit present demonstrate showcase parade flaunt boast brag advertise promote market publicize broadcast telecast air transmit relay convey communicate inform notify announce proclaim declare state assert affirm confirm verify validate authenticate substantiate corrobor...