Washington believes it, the Nationals themselves believe they’re ready to take the next critical step in their long rebuild and compete head-to-head with the top three teams in perhaps baseball’s toughest division.

The Nationals and Phillies are opening the 2025 season with a National League East division matchup. On Thursday afternoon, Washington will host Philadelphia at Nationals Park.

MacKenzie Gore allows one hits and strikes out 13 in six scoreless innings, but Opening Day ends with the bullpen allowing four runs in the 10th in a loss to the Phillies.