The Pittsburgh Pirates will travel to Nationals Park to take on the Washington Nationals. This game is set for Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:45 PM and will be broadcast on SN PT. The weather forecast predicts a warm day with clear skies and a light breeze, ideal conditions for a night game.
The Pirates are currently on a six-game losing streak, with a season record of 64-83, placing them fifth in the NL Central. Despite their struggles, they hope to turn things around under the guidance of manager Don Kelly. Their recent games have seen close contests, including a narrow 3-2 loss against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Nationals, ranked fifth in the NL East, have a record of 60-86. They are led by interim manager Miguel Cairo and have shown flashes of potential, winning seven of their last ten games. However, they enter this game on a two-game losing streak after falling to the Miami Marlins 5-0 in their last outing.
Nationals vs Pirates At a Glance
- Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates (64-83) vs Washington Nationals (60-86)
- Stadium: Nationals Park in Washington, DC
- Game Odds: Pirates Moneyline -109, Nationals Moneyline -110
- Weather: Clear Sky, Warm day with a light breeze
- TV Channel: SN PT
- Game Date & Time: Friday, September 12, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Washington Nationals Prepare for Battle Against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Overview of the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a challenging season in 2025, with Mitch Keller expected to take the mound against the Nationals. Keller’s ERA stands at 4.16 with a WHIP of 1.26, indicating some struggles on the mound but also moments of resilience.
Despite his record of 6-14, Keller has shown the capability to keep his team in games. The Pirates will rely on his ability to limit base runners and keep the Nationals’ offense in check.
Pirates’ Offensive Performance
The Pirates’ batting lineup has faced difficulties, as evidenced by their collective performance. Their batting average of .245 ranks them 11th, showcasing some level of competence at the plate.
However, with an on-base percentage of .307 and slugging percentage of .390, Pittsburgh needs to find ways to generate more power and scoring opportunities. Their 140 home runs rank 20th, suggesting a need for improvement in their offensive firepower.
Key Players to Watch
Ke’Bryan Hayes continues to be a pivotal player for the Pirates, providing defensive stability and offensive contributions. With his ability to get on base and cause havoc on the bases, he is crucial to the Pirates’ game plan.
Additionally, Bryan Reynolds offers a consistent presence in the lineup. Reynolds’ potential to hit for both power and average makes him a central figure in Pittsburgh’s efforts to put runs on the board.
Pitching Challenges for Pittsburgh
Aside from Mitch Keller, the Pirates’ pitching staff has struggled this season, reflected in their ERA of 5.30, ranking them 29th. This highlights the challenges they face in preventing runs and keeping opponents in check.
The Pirates have allowed 190 home runs, placing them 23rd in the league, which is a significant concern against a Nationals team that has shown power potential. Improving their ability to limit long balls will be key against Washington.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU as Favorite: 6-11 (35.3%)
- Runline as Underdog: 67-62 (51.9%)
- O/U in Away Games: 40-35 (53.3%)
Pirates Set Sail to Nationals Park: A Crucial Clash Awaits
Nationals’ Offensive Overview
The Washington Nationals are set to challenge the Pittsburgh Pirates with their hitting prowess. Their batting average stands at .232, ranking 18th in the league. The team has shown moderate ability to get on base with an on-base percentage of .304, placing them 17th overall.
Power hitting hasn’t been the Nationals’ strong suit this season, as evidenced by their slugging percentage of .349, ranking a low 26th in MLB. They have managed to hit 105 home runs, positioning them 24th in the league. Their ability to convert hits into runs will be crucial in the upcoming game against the Pirates.
Pitching Insights
Washington’s pitching staff will be led by Brad Lord, who enters the game with a 4.20 ERA and a WHIP of 1.31. His record stands at 5-8, indicating some struggles throughout the season. However, the Nationals’ pitching has been relatively effective, holding a team ERA of 3.87, ranked 11th overall.
The Nationals have done a commendable job limiting opponents’ batting average to .237, placing them 6th in the league. However, they have conceded 138 home runs, which is the 3rd highest in MLB, suggesting vulnerabilities in keeping the ball in the park.
Key Players to Watch
One key player for the Nationals is Juan Soto, known for his ability to get on base and deliver in crucial moments. His presence in the lineup adds depth and potential for timely hits. Another player to monitor is Trea Turner, whose speed and agility on the bases can turn singles into scoring opportunities.
On the pitching front, Max Scherzer, though not starting, remains a pivotal figure in the bullpen. His experience and ability to strike out batters can be a game-changer in tight situations. Together, these players form the core of the Nationals’ strategy against the Pirates.
Nationals’ Betting Trends
- SU in Home Games: 42-33 (56.0%)
- SU After a Win: 30-34 (46.9%)
- Runline in Away Games: 35-37 (48.6%)
- O/U in Home Games: 33-42 (44.0%)
- SU vs League Opponents: 32-24 (57.1%)
Final Thoughts
The Nationals are set to present a formidable challenge to the Pirates, especially in their home ballpark. With Brad Lord on the mound, the Nationals will aim to exploit the Pirates’ recent struggles in close games. Key contributions from their lineup will be essential to secure a victory.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on how Washington handles the Pirates’ attempts to break their losing streak. With both teams fighting for supremacy, this game promises an exciting showdown at Nationals Park.
Nationals vs Pirates Prediction: Nationals -110
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been struggling recently, losing their last six games, which puts them in a difficult position heading into this contest against the Washington Nationals. While the Pirates have a solid batting order, their road performance has been notably poor with a 22-50 record. This puts them at a disadvantage, especially when considering their recent skid and the Nationals’ improvement over the last ten games.
The Washington Nationals, despite being at the bottom of their division, have shown promising form with a 7-3 record in their last ten games. Playing at home should provide them with a slight edge, considering their recent performance surge and Brad Lord’s respectable ERA of 4.20. The Nationals’ ability to capitalize on the Pirates’ current form and their home advantage makes them a viable pick.
While Mitch Keller has been a reliable pitcher for the Pirates, his 6-14 record suggests he could struggle against a Nationals team on the upswing. The Pirates’ tendency to play one-run games could work against them if they fail to capitalize on scoring opportunities, which has been a recurring issue during their losing streak.
Given the Nationals’ recent form and home-field advantage, they present a favorable bet at -110 odds. They have shown resilience and improvement, and with Pirates’ poor road record, the Nationals are likely to edge out a win in a closely contested game.
- Nationals vs Pirates Prediction: Nationals -110
- Nationals vs Pirates Score: Nationals 4 – Pirates 3
