The Washington Nationals (7-10) and Pittsburgh Pirates (6-12) are set to face off in the third game of their four-game series at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. The Nationals secured a 3-0 victory on Tuesday, powered by James Wood’s leadoff home run and Nasim Nuñez’s two-run single in the sixth inning. The Pirates will look to bounce back after being shut out.
Game Details
- Matchup: Washington Nationals (7-10) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (6-12)
- Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
- Time: 6:40 PM ET
- Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
- TV Broadcast: Sportsnet Pittsburgh, MASN (Washington)
- Betting Odds: Pirates (-110), Nationals (-110) Over/Under: 8 runs
Team Breakdown
Washington Nationals
- Record: 7-10 (4th in NL East)
- Recent Performance: The Nationals have won six of their last 10 games, including Tuesday’s 3-0 shutout victory. Their offense ranks 13th in MLB with 76 runs scored, and they have hit 19 home runs this season.
- Key Players:
- James Wood (OF) – Hit a 445-foot leadoff home run on Tuesday.
- Nasim Nuñez (INF) – Delivered a two-run single in the sixth inning.
- Nate Lowe (1B) – Has four doubles and three home runs this season.
- Pitching Matchup: Mitchell Parker (2-0, 1.96 ERA, 10 K) will start for Washington. He has been dominant, allowing just four earned runs in 18 1/3 innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates
- Record: 6-12 (5th in NL Central)
- Recent Performance: The Pirates struggled offensively on Tuesday, managing just eight hits and no runs. Their offense ranks 28th in MLB with just 10 home runs, and they have the lowest team batting average (.195) in the league.
- Key Players:
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa (INF) – Leads the team with a .250 batting average.
- Bryan Reynolds (OF) – Has two home runs and six RBI over his last 10 games.
- Oneil Cruz (SS) – Returned to the lineup after missing three games with a finger injury.
- Pitching Matchup: Bailey Falter (0-2, 7.20 ERA, 13 K) will start for Pittsburgh. He has struggled, allowing three earned runs in five innings in his last outing.
Game Outlook
The Nationals have momentum after their shutout win, while the Pirates need to find offensive consistency. With Parker in strong form and Falter struggling, expect Washington to have the edge. If Pittsburgh can capitalize on early scoring opportunities, they could make it competitive. However, the Nationals’ recent offensive surge and pitching advantage make them slight favorites.
Washington Nationals – 112
Pittsburgh Pirates 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 15, 2025
