Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals: Game Day and Homestand Highlights
The Washington Nationals are back at Nationals Park for a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by games against the Atlanta Braves. After a split series in Miami, the Nats look to improve their record as the season winds down.
Game Day Information: Pirates vs. Nationals
Tonight's game features Brad Lord on the mound for the Nationals, marking the start of a 6-man rotation. The Pirates will counter with right-hander Mitch Keller. Notably, the Nationals will avoid facing Cy Young favorite Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews' former LSU teammate.
- Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals
- Location: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
- First Pitch: 6:45 PM EDT
- TV: MASN
- Radio: 106.7 The Fan, DC 87.7 FM, La Pantera 100.7 FM/1220 AM, Sirius/XM Channel 177 (home)
Nationals' Season Outlook
With 16 games remaining, the Nationals have secured 60 wins. Interim manager Miguel Cairo emphasizes the team's fighting spirit after a winning road trip. Can the Nats reach their pre-season Over/Under of 72 wins? While a 12-4 finish is a tall order, it remains the goal.
We had a good road trip — a winning road trip. The guys are playing hard. They’re fighting. They keep fighting — but it was a good road trip in general.
Team Stats and Performance
CJ Abrams (+3.5), James Wood (+3.2), and MacKenzie Gore (+2.9) lead the Nationals in WAR. While defense shows improvement, consistency remains a challenge. The Nats starting pitchers have a combined ERA of 5.22, while the reliever’s ERA sits at 5.41, the worst in baseball.
| Starter | ERA |
|---|---|
| Cade Cavalli | 4.67 |
| Mitchell Parker | 5.69 |
| Brad Lord | 4.20 |
| Jake Irvin | 5.70 |
| MacKenzie Gore | 4.14 |
Homestand Highlights: Pirates & Braves
The homestand features several exciting events and promotions. Single-game tickets are available at nats.com/Tickets. Key highlights include Heroes Day, Friday Night Fireworks, Youth Baseball & Softball Day, Roberto Clemente Day, Hispanic Heritage Day, and a Golf Day doubleheader. Fans can also look forward to giveaways like a Dylan Crews Bobblehead and a Kids Curly W Oversized Chain.
Special Events and Promotions
- Jerseys Off Their Backs Fundraiser: Supports Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. Raffle tickets available through Sept. 27. Visit nats4good.org/jerseys.
- Friday, Sept. 12: Heroes Day: Honors first responders with ceremonies, recognitions, and a pregame flyover. Two complimentary tickets for military personnel (nats.com/Military). Friday Night Fireworks follow the game. AB Band performs at the Budweiser Terrace.
- Saturday, Sept. 13: Dylan Crews Bobblehead Giveaway: First 20,000 fans receive a City Connect-themed bobblehead. Battle of the Bases Championship follows the game. DJ Chris Stylus performs at the Budweiser Terrace.
- Sunday, Sept. 14: Nats on Base Abroad Simulcast: Gameday experience for service members in Qatar. Brian Dozier and Adam Eaton participate. Kids Curly W Oversized Chain Giveaway for fans 12 and younger. Youth Baseball & Softball Day includes a pregame parade. Story Time at Nationals Park. Signature Sunday features autographs and Q&A with Nationals players. Kids Run the Bases after the game.
- Monday, Sept. 15: Roberto Clemente Day: Recognizes Trevor Williams. Hispanic Heritage Day with a special ticket and jacket (nats.com/Heritage). Washington Capitals and Nationals Specialty Jersey Collaboration for auction.
- Tuesday, Sept. 16: Golf Day: Special ticket includes a golf club head cover and divot tool (nats.com/Specials). $5 Tuesday concessions. George Mason University Day with a co-branded hat (nats.com/GMU).
- Wednesday, Sept. 17: Catholic University Day: Special ticket includes a co-branded hat (nats.com/Catholic). Player Pick 'Em Series features "Chicharron con Yuca" at The Change-Up Food Hall.
Fan Information and Park Policies
Fans can listen to live radio broadcasts on the MLB Ballpark app (nats.com/listenlive). Kids Eat Free meal program continues, with options for vegetarian and gluten-free meals (nats.com/KidsEatFree). The 5050 Raffle supports Nationals Philanthropies (nats4good.org/5050). Go-Ahead Entry streamlines ticket scanning (nats.com/GoAheadEntry). Clear, factory-sealed water bottles (1 liter max) are permitted. Clear bags (16 x 16 x 8 inches max) are required. Visit nats.com for more information.
Getting To Nationals Park
Parking options are available at nats.com/Parking. Fans are encouraged to use Metro (wmata.com/Schedules) or consider the D.C. Circulator, biking, or the baseball boat (nats.com/WayToGo). Be aware of construction projects in the area. Register for Alert DC at http://hsema.dc.gov/page/alertdc for WMATA service notifications.
