Clearwater, Florida — February 26th, 2026 — Two doubles and a home run in the bottom of the third, given up by Nats pitcher Gus Varland, were too much for the Nats offense.

The Nats’ offense showed more promise than yesterday's contest, but just three runs won't win many games. A few Nats pitchers struggled to command their pitches, and the Phillies capitalized. Bryce Harper, a former Nat, hit a double and had two RBI in the game. He’s turned into a Nats killer, even in Spring Training. For the second game in a row, the opposing pitching staff did not surrender a walk. The Nats’ hitting approach could need some tinkering with.

Nasim Nunez doubled to leadoff the game and was driven in by Brady House two batters later. The Nats didn't score again until Andrés Chaparro hit a two-run home run to left field off Phillies pitcher Tanner Banks. Chaparro is looking to have a solid spring to solidify regular-season playing time. The Nats' offense was quiet after the fourth inning, scoring no runs and amassing no hits after the fourth inning.

Jake Eder got his second start of the spring and gave up a home run to Bryson Stott in the bottom of the first inning. Eder finished with two innings pitched, two strikeouts, one walk, and one home run allowed. Gus Varland followed Eder and was dreadful for two-thirds of an inning, giving up three hits, including a home run. Seth Shuman bailed Varland out of the third inning. Zach Penrod pitched a clean bottom of the fourth inning, then Bryce Montes de Oca couldn’t find the strike zone in the fifth. Montes de Oca walked three batters before getting pulled out of the game for Erik Tolman.

Andry Lara pitched the sixth and the seventh innings, giving up one run on two hits and a walk. Tyler Baum pitched the bottom of the eighth, but not without walking two batters. Gus Varland was tagged with the loss for Washington.

The Nats didn’t commit any errors in today’s game, and it was an overall solid defensive performance. Washington recorded two double plays, and the routine plays were made. At times last season, the routine play wasn't a guarantee.

The Phillies’ rally in the bottom of the third was too much for the Nationals, giving up four runs on four hits, including a home run. Kehden Hettiger hit the home run for Philadelphia, and Bryce Harper hit an RBI double two batters later. Garrett Stubbs added another run on a line drive single a few batters after Harper. Riley Adams caught Stubbs stealing at second base to end the inning and stop the bleeding for the Nats with the score at 5-1, Phillies.

Player of the Game: Andrés Chaparro(1-2, HR, 2 RBI)

The Nationals take on the Astros tomorrow night in their shared space, CACTI Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Newly acquired Miles Mikolas is on the mound for Washington, and Lance McCullers Jr. is pitching for Houston. First pitch is at 6:05 EST.