MLB Game Preview: San Diego Padres (52-44) vs. Washington Nationals (38-58)

Game Details

• Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
• Time: 6:45 PM ET
• Location: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
• Watch: MASN, SDPA, MLB.TV

Team Form & Momentum

San Diego Padres – Playoff Push Intensifies

• 2nd in NL West, 5.5 games behind Dodgers
• Won 3 of last 4 games, including series wins vs Phillies and Rangers
• Dylan Cease (3–9, 4.88 ERA) starts; 129 strikeouts in 103.1 IP
• Cease is 2–0 with a 0.00 ERA in his career vs Nationals
• Manny Machado (.292 AVG, 17 HR, 56 RBI) and Fernando Tatis Jr. (.343 AVG last 10 games) lead the offense

Washington Nationals – Rebuilding with Bright Spots

• Last in NL East, 20 games under .500
• Lost 8 of last 9 games, including sweeps by Brewers and Red Sox
• Michael Soroka (3–7, 5.35 ERA) starts; 0.60 ERA in career vs Padres
• James Wood (24 HR, 69 RBI) and CJ Abrams (.287 AVG) are emerging stars

Key Stats & Betting Trends

• Cease has allowed 13 earned runs in his last 3 starts, but dominates Washington historically
• Soroka has struggled in July (10.13 ERA), but owns Padres in past matchups
• Expect offense from both sides with fresh legs post-All-Star break

Player Spotlight

Manny Machado (Padres)

• .292 AVG, 17 HR, 56 RBI
• 107 hits this season (6th in MLB)
• 3 doubles in last 4 games vs Nationals

James Wood (Nationals)

• 24 HR, 69 RBI (Top 10 in MLB)
• 55.6% hard-hit rate, .564 xSLG