Phillies Start Season Strong with Harper’s Homer in Thrilling Opener

WASHINGTON — Bryce Harper clutched his bat tightly as he neared first base, uncertain if his hit would clear the outfield fence at Nationals Park on Thursday afternoon. It took just 95 minutes into the season’s Opening Day for the Philadelphia Phillies to finally find their stride in a hard-fought 7-3 victory over the Washington Nationals in extra innings.

Harper smashed a 415-foot homer over the green wall, putting the Phillies on the scoreboard after a rocky start, where the team struck out 13 times in the first six innings. “Definitely felt good on that swing,” Harper said postgame. “It felt like it all came together.”

The 2025 season opener delivered an unpredictable mix of ups and downs for the Phillies, who struck out a total of 19 times but still managed to battle back for the win. Alec Bohm came through in the 10th inning, doubling in two runs and later scoring on J.T. Realmuto’s two-run triple, solidifying the victory. “It’s kind of like, ‘All right.’ I mean, it’s not fun to do that. And we can’t do that as a team,” Harper added. “But today, we made it happen. We made it work.”

The Phillies’ performance on Opening Day felt emblematic of their previous seasons, where success became elusive despite strong potential. “It’s not very often that you get to play three or four seasons in a row with the same group in professional sports like this,” Bohm said after the game. “So it’s nice to be back where I’m comfortable.”

As important as the offensive effort was, the pitching staff also played a crucial role, with Zack Wheeler dominating on the mound and new bullpen additions showing promise. Wheeler allowed just one run over six innings, setting the tone for the game. “The moment doesn’t get to him,” stated Phillies manager Rob Thomson, praising his team’s resilience.

The game served as a reminder to the players that while they have their eyes set on October, the 162-game grind is where true growth occurs. The Phillies will navigate through challenges as they aim to improve their performance in the long run. “They kept battling,” Thomson remarked regarding his team’s ability to fight through the strikeouts.

Meanwhile, the opener also marked a new beginning for pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, who enjoyed a transformative offseason. The 28-year-old gained nearly 20 pounds of muscle and showcased substantial improvement this spring. “He’s grown up physically, mentally and emotionally,” Thomson noted, envisioning Sánchez’s potential for the 2025 season.

As the Phillies put their best foot forward on Opening Day, they’re aware the season ahead will be filled with challenges. However, with each game, they strive to find their rhythm while looking toward the ultimate goal of a successful October run.