Vol. IThe Bluffball AlmanacSAT, SEP 12, 2026✉ Write innew

Sportsinator

Daily sports news cheat sheets for people who want to talk sports

MLBFinal24 Jun, 2026

Philadelphia PhilliesvsWashington Nationals

PHI 5/WSH 4

MLB.TVNationals Park
Things to say

The Phillies beat the Nationals 5-4 on the road at Nationals Park.

01
opener
Phillies took it 5-4 down in DC. Tight one the whole way. Came down to the last couple innings like you figured it would.
02
key player
The heart of Philly's order kept grinding at-bats all night. One swing left the yard and that was basically the ballgame.
03
hot take
Nationals manager went to the pen way too early. You've got a starter cruising and you pull him? That's how you give a one-run game away.
04
deep cut
Washington's at 41-40, barely hanging onto .500. Phillies are 44-36 and quietly look like the better club start to finish.
05
exit
Anyway, Phillies keep rolling. Curious to see if the Nats can answer back tomorrow or just hand it over again.
The recap

Phillies grind out a 5-4 win in D.C. on a getaway day, the kind of one-run road game that keeps a first-place club humming. Washington hung around all afternoon and never let the heart of the order pull away, but Philly did just enough damage to stay in front.

The Nats had chances late and couldn't cash, and the bullpen slammed the door to lock it down. Phillies climb to 44-36 while the Nationals slip back to .500 at 41-40.

More from24 Jun, 2026browse that day’s box scores →