The Washington Nationals hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates for an early Independence Day game at Nationals Park on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Both teams continued their push in the National League wild-card race.
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The Pirates entered the matchup fourth in the NL Central with a 44-45 record. The Nationals held a 46-43 mark to place fourth in the NL East.
Pittsburgh secured a 9-5 victory in the opening game of the weekend series on Friday night.
Pitching Matchup and Lineup Changes
Right-hander Braxton Ashcraft took the mound for the Pirates. He carries an 8-3 record and a 3.33 ERA this season.
Washington countered by naming Carson Palmquist as the opener for scheduled starter Zack Littell. Littell holds a 7-6 record with a 5.29 ERA.
The Nationals adjusted their starting lineup after outfielder Jacob Young was scratched late. The team retained the same outfield configuration from the previous night.
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Curtis Mead returned to start at third base, while Drew Millas assumed catching duties.
The Pirates also altered the bottom of their lineup by placing Tyler Callihan at first base. Former first overall draft pick Henry Davis started behind the plate.
The adjustments followed a Friday pitching matchup that featured Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller and Washington's Foster Griffin.
Griffin held an 8-2 record with a 2.93 ERA before Friday, with the Nationals winning 13 of his 17 starts this season.
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Keller entered that game with a 6-5 record and a 4.87 ERA, looking to replicate his previous June 28 victory against the Cincinnati Reds.
