The Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals are set to compete at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Scheduled for September 14, 2025, this game sees the Pirates with a 65-84 record and the Nationals at 61-87. Both teams occupy the fifth position in their respective divisions, NL Central for the Pirates and NL East for the Nationals.
Recent performances show the Pirates coming off a 5-1 victory over the Nationals, ending a challenging stretch with a 3-7 record over their last ten games. The Nationals, despite a 6-4 record over their last ten, faced a setback in their previous game against the Pirates. This contest will be broadcast on MASN, and the weather forecast predicts broken clouds with calm crosswinds.
Under the guidance of manager Don Kelly, the Pirates aim to improve their road record of 23-51. Meanwhile, the Nationals, managed by interim Miguel Cairo, seek to better their home performance, having a 30-43 record. The game odds slightly favor the Nationals, with a moneyline of -117 compared to the Pirates’ -101.
Nationals vs Pirates At a Glance
- Teams’ Records: Pittsburgh Pirates hold a 65-84 record, while Washington Nationals are at 61-87.
- Division Standings: Both teams rank 5th in their respective divisions, NL Central for the Pirates and NL East for the Nationals.
- Stadium: The game will be played at Nationals Park in Washington, DC.
- Weather Forecast: Expect mild conditions with broken clouds and a calm crosswind.
- Game Time: Scheduled to start at 11:35 AM on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
- Broadcast: The game will be televised on MASN.
Washington Nationals Ready for Battle at Nationals Park
Team Overview
The Washington Nationals have faced their share of challenges this season, evident from their standing at 61-87. With a batting average of .244, they sit in 13th place among MLB teams. The Nationals’ pitching has been less favorable, with an ERA of 5.29, ranking 29th.
Despite these struggles, the Nationals’ offense has shown potential, ranking 9th in doubles with 242. Their speed on the bases is also notable, with 123 stolen bases placing them 8th in the league.
Key Players to Watch
CJ Abrams is a standout for the Nationals, leading the team with 87 runs and a batting average of .264. His consistent performance has been crucial, and he ranks 17th in runs across the league.
Josh Bell provides power at the plate, with 20 home runs this season. His slugging percentage of .405 adds depth to the Nationals’ lineup, making him a player to watch closely.
Pitching Challenges
On the mound, Cade Cavalli will start for the Nationals. He holds a 4.67 ERA and a 3-1 win-loss record, indicating a mixed season of ups and downs.
The Nationals’ pitching staff has allowed 192 home runs, ranking them 19th in that category, which could be a concern in their upcoming games.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 10 Games: 6-4 (60.0%)
- Runline in Away Games: 41-34 (54.7%)
- O/U Last 10: 7-3 (70.0%)
- SU vs Division Opponents: 23-37 (38.3%)
As the Nationals prepare to play at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the key will be capitalizing on their offensive strengths. With power hitters like Abrams and Bell, they have the potential to make an impact.
Their ability to maintain a strong offensive front will be crucial in overcoming their pitching challenges. This game presents an opportunity for the Nationals to showcase their determination and potentially improve their standing.
Pirates Seek Another Victory Over Nationals
Nationals’ Recent Performance
The Washington Nationals recently faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in a series where they managed a 6-5 win on September 12, 2025. In that game, the Nationals capitalized on their offensive strength, producing eight hits, including two home runs. However, their pitching staff allowed ten hits, showing vulnerabilities that the Pirates exploited.
In their September 13, 2025 game, the Nationals struggled against the Pirates, falling 5-1. Their offense was limited to only three hits with no extra-base hits, signaling a need for improvement against Pittsburgh’s pitching.
Key Players to Watch
Cade Cavalli will take the mound for the Nationals, carrying a 4.67 ERA and a WHIP of 1.47. His performance will be crucial as he faces a Pirates lineup that has shown its ability to rally late in games.
Offensively, the Nationals will rely on players like Andrew Alvarez, who pitched effectively against the Pirates recently, allowing only three hits over six innings. His ability to limit runs will be essential if the Nationals aim to clinch a win.
Offensive Challenges
The Nationals rank 27th in home runs with 107, indicating a lack of power that could hinder their scoring potential against strong pitching teams like the Pirates. They also face challenges in maintaining consistent offensive output, ranking 21st in batting average at .232.
Despite these challenges, their ability to draw walks ranks 11th with 488, suggesting a disciplined approach at the plate. This could be a key factor in putting pressure on the Pirates’ pitching staff.
Pitching Overview
Washington’s pitching staff has a respectable ERA of 3.87, placing them 10th overall. However, they have allowed 140 home runs, ranking 3rd in the league, which could be exploited by a Pirates team known for extra-base hits.
Quality starts will be important, with the Nationals securing 53 quality starts, also ranking 10th. Maintaining this consistency will be pivotal in their efforts to suppress the Pirates’ offense.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Runline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Runline in Away Games: 36-38 (48.6%)
- O/U in Away Games: 27-47 (36.5%)
Nationals vs Pirates Prediction: Under 8.5
The recent head-to-head results between the Nationals and Pirates indicate a strong tendency towards lower scoring games, with the UNDER hitting in four of their last five matchups. The Pirates have been able to limit their opponents effectively, evidenced by their improved ERA over recent seasons and holding the Nationals to only one run in their last game.
Mike Burrows, starting for the Pirates, has a respectable ERA of 3.99 and should be able to keep the Nationals’ offense in check. Meanwhile, Cade Cavalli of the Nationals has an ERA of 4.67, which, despite being higher, has been effective enough in their recent games to contribute to lower scoring outcomes.
The Nationals have a poor offensive ranking, with low rankings in batting average and slugging percentage. This further supports the likelihood of a lower scoring game, as their struggles at the plate continue. Additionally, the weather conditions with mild temperatures and calm winds at Nationals Park do not suggest any significant offensive boosts.
Given the combined pitching capabilities and offensive limitations of both teams, coupled with recent trends, the projected score suggests a total under 8.5 runs. A final score prediction of Pirates 4 – Nationals 3 seems fitting based on the current data.
- Nationals vs Pirates Prediction: Under 8.5
- Nationals vs Pirates Score: Pirates 4 – Nationals 3
