Last week, the Washington Nationals roller coaster. After two consecutive series wins over the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers, the Tide appeared to have made a turn towards Washington, showing signs of success after a late start to the year.
Excitement has diminished for now after a series defeat to Division rivals, the Miami Marlins, after surrendering 25 runs in just three games. However, the four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, currently at the final spot in National League Central, is a bounceback opportunity for Washington.
Pittsburgh’s Pirates have a rough start to the 2025 season and are currently sitting on one of the worst records in MLB. Away from the Cincinnati Reds-controlled series, Pittsburgh is just floating. With solid spins, they try to capitalize on poor performance from the Washington pitching staff.
Washington sits fourth in the National League East just ahead of the Atlanta Braves and is taking part in the four-game series with a 6-9 record.
Pittsburgh appeared in the series with a 5-11 record and placed fifth in National League Central.
Here’s a preview of both teams heading into this four-game series:
Projected starter
Game 1:
Washington:RHP Blood Road (0-0)
2025 Statistics:
- 4 g (1 gs)
- 1.80 ERA
- 1.80 Whip
- Because it’s 4
Blood Road started the 2025 season as a rescuer, but things have changed. The rookie got his first start last week against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing only two hits and nolans in three innings.
Pittsburgh:RHP Paul Skens (1-1)
2025 Statistics:
- 3 gs
- 3.44 ERA
- 0.82 Whip
- Because it’s 20
The 2024 National League Rookie Year is great to start with the 2025 season. Cy Young’s hopeful is a key bright spot for Pittsburgh and is about to continue its rise to stardom. Skens struggled with his final start, allowing six hits and five run scored in six innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Game 2:
Washington:RHP Jake Irvin (0-0)
2025 Statistics:
- 3 gs
- 5.63 ERA
- 1.50 Whip
- Because it’s 12
In 2024, Jake Irvin proved to be Washington’s important inning eater. Irvin struggled to start the season and allowed four hits and four run scored in the final start against the Miami Marlins.
Pittsburgh:RHP Mitch Keller (1-1)
2025 Statistics
- 3 gs
- 4.24 ERA
- 1.35 Whip
- Because it’s 14
The former All-Star has been a key contributor to Pittsburgh for the past few years, starting 2025 on the same trajectory. Keller dominated in his final start, surrendering four hits and Nolan, bringing Pittsburgh’s victory.
Game 3:
Washington:LHP Mitchell Parker (2-0)
2025 Statistics:
- 3 gs
- 1.96 ERA
- 1.20 Whip
- Because it’s 10
Entering in question in 2025, Parker was impressed early in the season and contributed to one of Washington’s finest weapons. In his final start, he built a quality start, allowing five hits and three run scored in six innings.
Pittsburgh:LHP Bailey Fulter (0-2)
2025 Statistics:
- 3 gs
- 7.20 ERA
- 1.53 Whip
- Because it’s 13
In 2024, Falter started the most games of his career, and is a good start to 28. In 2025, Falter still offers innings, but is off to a tough start. In his final start, Falter made a quality start, going five innings, allowing three hits and three run scored.
Game 4:
Washington:RHP Trevor Williams (1-1)
2025 Statistics:
- 3 gs
- 7.36 ERA
- 1.77 Whip
- Because it’s 11
Even with a small sample size, Williams pitched brilliantly in 2024, posting an ERA of 3.00 before the season was shortened due to injuries. Williams’ final start was undoubtedly the worst of his season, giving up a six-time run with 12 hits against the Miami Marlins.
Pittsburgh:LHP Andrew Heaney (0-1)
2025 Statistics:
- 3 gs
- 3.00 ERA
- 0.89 Whip
- Because it’s 18
Entering 2025, 33-year-old Heaney struggles to find a long-term home, but was consistently solid everywhere he landed. Heaney struggled with his final start and gave up four of his total six runs of his season’s earned season against the Cincinnati Reds.
As an observer, you can sometimes confuse whether to panic or relax about your team in just three weeks of the season. Washington was confused, performed, beat the best teams in baseball and rocked by other teams predicted to miss the postseason.
This is an important series early in the season as it’s time to prove what Washington Nationals baseball will be like in 2025.
