Cade Cavalli delivered a masterclass on the mound as the Washington Nationals silenced the Philadelphia Phillies' potent lineup with a 2-0 shutout victory. The 26-year-old right-hander dominated over seven scoreless innings, scattering seven hits while striking out five without issuing a walk—his precision (63 of 90 pitches for strikes) keeping Philadelphia's sluggers off balance all night. The Phillies, who entered with one of baseball's most feared offenses, managed just three hits combined against Cavalli and José Ferrer, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber both striking out in key spots as Philadelphia went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

The Nationals' offense made the most of their limited opportunities, with rookie sensation James Wood driving in both runs—including a clutch two-out single in the third that plated Brady House. Washington's bullpen sealed the deal, as Ferrer retired six of the seven batters he faced. The loss drops Philadelphia a game back in the playoff race, while the Nationals, playing spoiler, notch their third straight win over division rivals. For a Phillies team that relied on Trea Turner's three hits (including a leadoff double) but stranded him each time, the missed chances loomed largest in a night where one big swing could've changed everything.