A season can be defined as much by its struggles as its highlights, and the 2025 Washington Nationals gave fans plenty to talk about on both fronts. From the emergence of bright young stars to unforgettable game-changing moments, the Nats’ journey this year was filled with resilience, surprises, and flashes of hope for what lies ahead. In this special series, we’re revisiting the defining moments that shaped the Nationals’ 2025 campaign—one story at a time.
Whether you cheered from Nats Park or followed from afar, these are the memories, milestones, and turning points that deserve another look as we celebrate the highs—and learn from the lows—of another unforgettable season.
Brad Lord Earns First MLB Victory as Nationals Top Phillies 4–2

June 29, 2025
Washington Nationals 7, Los Angeles Angels 4
Brad Lord achieved a major milestone on May 1, earning his first career Major League win as the Washington Nationals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2. In only his fifth start in the big leagues, Lord pitched a solid outing, going five innings and allowing just two runs. He kept the Phillies’ offense in check with four strikeouts and only one walk, giving the Nationals a strong chance to secure victory on the road.
Lord’s performance was a key factor in Washington’s win, as he provided quality innings to set up the bullpen. His ability to limit damage and keep the Phillies from gaining momentum helped the Nationals take control early in the game. This victory marked an important step in Lord’s development as a promising young arm in the Nationals’ rotation.
Relief pitching also played a crucial role, with Jose A. Ferrer, Jorge López, and Kyle Finnegan combining for four scoreless innings of relief. Their stellar work shut down Philadelphia’s lineup after Lord exited, preserving the two-run lead and effectively closing out the game. This bullpen effort gave Lord and the Nationals the support necessary to seal the victory.

