The Washington Nationals face the Pittsburgh Pirates, with Cade Cavalli pitching for the Nats against Paul Skenes. The Nationals are coming off a sweep of the Brewers, while the Pirates have improved their offense with key additions.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 11: Joey Ortiz #3 of the Milwaukee Brewers tags out Daylen Lile #4 of the Washington Nationals attempting to steal second base i6 at American Family Field on April 11, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Nats are coming into Pittsburgh riding high after a sweep over the Brewers. However, they will be greeted by one of baseballās premier arms, as Paul Skenes takes the bump. With the way the Nats offense is rolling, this will be a strength against strength matchup. Skenes will be their toughest test yet.
To match up with Skenes, Blake Butera is loading up his lineup with lefties. CJ Abrams will hit third tonight, the highest he has been in the lineup all season. Butera has tried to spread out righties and lefties, but today he has four lefties at the top including reigning NL Player of the Week James Wood in the lead off spot. Brady House will get the day off, which means Jorbit Vivas will be at third base. The hot Jacob Young is all the way up in the 5 spot. Nats ace Cade Cavalli will be on the bump tonight.
So far, the Pirates offense has been much improved. Brandon Lowe and Ryan OāHearn have been great additions for them. Those two will be hitting second and fourth. Bryan Reynolds will be in between them at DH. Marcell Ozuna has not been hitting, so he is not in the lineup. Oneil Cruz has also been red hot at the top of the Bucs lineup. Nats fans will get their first look at the Pirates 19 year old shortstop Konnor Griffin. He has been cold to start his MLB career, but he is a phenom. As we mentioned up top, Paul Skenes will be on the mound.
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Game Info:
Stadium: PNC Park
Time: 6:40 PM EST
TV: Nationals.TV
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
This should be a fun four game set between two teams on the rise. The Pirates have elite young arms, and the Nats have an up and coming offense. That sets the stage for a really exciting matchup. I canāt wait to see what this offense can do against Skenes. Follow along in the comments down below and letās go Nats.
Cade Cavalli is the starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals in their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Washington Nationals are entering the game after a successful sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, and Oneil Cruz are key players to watch in the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup, with Lowe and O'Hearn being recent strong additions.
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