Cade Cavalli Shines as Nationals Shut Out Phillies 2-0: Washington Wins Behind Wood’s Double – August 16, 2025

Saturday, August 16th, 2025

Nationals Shut Out Phillies 2-0 as Cade Cavalli Secures First MLB Win

The Washington Nationals earned a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park, highlighted by Cade Cavalli's first major league win and a two-run double from James Wood.

Cade Cavalli's Breakthrough Performance

Cade Cavalli delivered an impressive outing for Washington, pitching seven scoreless innings while striking out five and allowing just seven hits. This performance marked his first MLB victory and the longest outing of his career, needing only 90 pitches. Cavalli allowed just one Phillies baserunner to reach third base and retired the final eight batters he faced. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, Cavalli made only his third start of the season and demonstrated why he was a first-round pick in 2020.

James Wood Sparks Nationals Offense

The Nationals broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. After Dylan Crews walked and advanced to third on a Brady House single, James Wood drove them both in with a double into the right-center gap. This proved to be the difference in the game, as the Nationals were unable to get a runner past second base against Phillies starter Taijuan Walker until that point.

Jose Ferrer Locks Down the Save

Jose Ferrer contributed two scoreless innings to secure his second save of the season. In the ninth, after J.T. Realmuto advanced to second on an error, Ferrer got Brandon Marsh to ground out on one pitch and struck out Harrison Bader to end the game.

Phillies Offense Stalls Despite Turner's Effort

Trea Turner provided three hits for the Phillies, but the NL East leaders were shut out for the eighth time this season and have now lost four of their last five games. Taijuan Walker took the loss, allowing two runs over 6 2/3 innings with three strikeouts.

Key Moment

Cavalli worked out of a fourth-inning jam by getting Max Kepler to ground into a double play with runners on the corners, keeping the game scoreless and shifting the momentum to Washington.

Key Stat

Cade Cavalli has now thrown 11 1/3 scoreless innings over his two home starts this season, cementing his return to the majors.

Up Next

The series will conclude with Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola (1-7, 6.16 ERA) set to make his first start since mid-May after returning from the injured list. He will face Nationals left-hander Mitchell Parker (7-13, 5.55 ERA).

In summary

The Washington Nationals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 behind a dominant performance from Cade Cavalli, who earned his first MLB win. James Wood provided the key offensive moment with a two-run double. Despite three hits from Trea Turner, the Phillies struggled to capitalize and suffered another shutout. The Nationals have momentum as the series heads to the finale, where Aaron Nola returns to the mound for Philadelphia.

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