Jose Tena’s Clutch Hit, Paul DeJong Homer Lift Nationals Over Phillies 3-2 in Washington Thriller – August 14, 2025 Game Recap

Thursday, August 14th, 2025

Washington Nationals Rally Past Philadelphia Phillies 3-2

Jose Tena delivered a clutch, go-ahead two-run single in the seventh inning, sparking the Washington Nationals to a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Paul DeJong added his third home run in five games, helping Washington overcome a deficit to secure the win at home.

Nationals Make Key Seventh-Inning Push

The game turned in the seventh inning. Paul DeJong led off with a walk against Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo. Riley Adams followed with a double, and Daylen Lile drew a walk to load the bases. With one out, Jose Tena singled past the drawn-in infield, pushing Washington ahead 3-2 against reliever Orion Kerkering.

Pitching Performances Shine

Shinnosuke Ogasawara came in to strike out Kyle Schwarber with the tying run on base, earning his first major league win. Rookie Cole Henry pitched a tense ninth inning and struck out Trea Turner with the tying run on third to earn his first career save.

Phillies’ Bats Struggle to Capitalize

Trea Turner was a bright spot for the Phillies, collecting three infield hits. However, Philadelphia continued to struggle offensively, leaving eight men on base and scoring just three runs during their current three-game losing streak.

Starting Pitchers Battle

Jesus Luzardo allowed three runs on four hits over six-plus innings for the Phillies. Washington’s Brad Lord was solid, giving up two runs on seven hits in six innings. Since returning to the rotation in late July, Lord has pitched to a 2.77 ERA, and the Nationals have gone 4-1 in his starts.

Travel Woes for the Phillies

The Phillies arrived in Washington only hours before the game, delayed by maintenance issues that forced an overnight stay in Cincinnati following their previous contest.

Key Moment

Jose Tena's opposite-field single on a 3-1 fastball slipped past a diving Trea Turner at shortstop, driving in two runs and giving Washington the lead in the seventh inning.

Key Stat

Paul DeJong has hit safely in five consecutive games, going 9-for-21 (.429) with three home runs and seven RBIs during that stretch.

Up Next

Philadelphia will send right-hander Zack Wheeler (10-5, 2.68 ERA) to the mound to face Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore (5-12, 4.09 ERA) in the next matchup of the series.

In summary

The Washington Nationals mounted a late comeback to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2, taking advantage of timely hitting by Jose Tena and strong bullpen work. Paul DeJong continued his hot streak with another home run, while Trea Turner’s three hits were not enough for a struggling Phillies offense. Both starting pitchers delivered quality outings, but the Nationals’ clutch performance in the seventh made the difference. This exciting matchup sets up an intriguing pitching duel in the next game as each team looks to make a statement in the division.

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