#955 PHILLIES with Wheeler (-182) over Nationals with Gore at 6:45 PM EST
After three consecutive losses, including a close 3-2 defeat at Nationals Park, the Phillies will be looking to recover in this matchup. Philadelphia currently maintains a narrow 5.0-game lead over New York in the NL East standings, and manager Rob Thomson aims to widen the gap within the division with a win.

Ace right-hander Zack Wheeler gets the call for the visiting team. This season, Wheeler has made 23 starts, allowing 43 earned runs and 103 hits across 144.2 innings. He has recorded 189 strikeouts and 31 walks, resulting in a strong 10-5 record and a 2.68 ERA. In his two August outings against the Rangers and Tigers, Wheeler gave up five earned runs and 12 hits in 11.0 innings, which equates to a 1-1 record and a 4.09 ERA for those games.

Left-hander MacKenzie Gore takes the mound for the Nationals. In 2025, Gore has started 24 games and yielded 60 earned runs and 129 hits over 132.0 innings. He has struck out 158 and walked 47, holding a 5-12 record with a 4.09 ERA. Over his last three starts versus the Giants, A’s, and Astros, Gore allowed 14 earned runs and 23 hits in 12.1 innings, resulting in a 1-2 record and a 10.22 ERA.

Statistically, this is a favorable spot for Philadelphia. The Phillies have won 46 of their past 75 evening games, 38 of their last 61 contests against teams with a .500 or lower winning percentage, and 31 of their last 51 following a loss. Conversely, Washington has lost 36 of its previous 59 home games, 42 of its last 70 against teams with a winning record, and 17 of its last 26 against division rivals.

With a challenging series against the Mariners on the horizon, Philadelphia is expected to approach this game with focus and determination. Take Philadelphia with Wheeler. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.

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