The Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to face off in the second game of their four-game series on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pirates dominated the series opener with a 10-3 victory, and the Nationals will look to bounce back and snap their three-game losing streak.
Game Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- Time: 6:40 PM ET
- Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
- TV Broadcast: AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, MASN
- Live Stream: Available on Fubo (regional restrictions may apply) here
Team Overview & Recent Form
Washington Nationals (6-10)
The Nationals have struggled in recent games, dropping three straight, including their 10-3 loss to Pittsburgh in the series opener. Their offense has been inconsistent, ranking 15th in MLB with 73 runs scored but struggling with a .235 team batting average.
- Key Players:
- Keibert Ruiz – Has been one of Washington’s most consistent hitters, boasting a .373 batting average.
- James Wood – Leads the team with five home runs.
- Jake Irvin – Expected to start, holding a 0-0 record with a 4.24 ERA in three starts.
- Strengths:
- Power Hitting: The Nationals rank 10th in MLB with 18 home runs.
- Run Production: Despite their struggles, Washington has scored four or more runs in nine straight games.
- Weaknesses:
- Pitching Concerns: The Nationals have a 5.79 team ERA, ranking among the worst in MLB.
- Defensive Issues: Washington has struggled with errors and fielding miscues.
Pittsburgh Pirates (6-11)
The Pirates snapped their own losing streak with a dominant 10-3 win over Washington in the series opener. Their offense finally came alive, but they still rank 29th in MLB with a .199 team batting average.
- Key Players:
- Bryan Reynolds – Had a strong performance in the opener, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
- Ke’Bryan Hayes – Leads the team with eight RBIs.
- Mitch Keller – Expected to start, holding a 1-1 record with a 4.24 ERA.
- Strengths:
- Pitching Depth: Keller is coming off a 7 1/3 scoreless inning performance against St. Louis.
- Recent Momentum: Pittsburgh’s offense finally broke through in their last game.
- Weaknesses:
- Offensive Struggles: The Pirates rank last in MLB with a .302 slugging percentage.
- Strikeout Issues: Pittsburgh averages 9.2 strikeouts per game, ranking 27th in MLB.
Matchup Analysis & Prediction
- Washington’s Power vs. Pittsburgh’s Pitching: The Nationals have shown power at the plate, but Keller’s recent form could neutralize their offense.
- Key Battle: James Wood vs. Mitch Keller—Wood leads Washington in home runs, while Keller has been Pittsburgh’s most reliable starter.
- X-Factor: Keibert Ruiz—If Ruiz continues his hot streak, Washington could have the edge.
Washington Nationals 8.5
Pittsburgh Pirates – 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 14, 2025
