Padres and Nationals Set for Series-Deciding Battle

According to Sportradar, the San Diego Padres will face the Washington Nationals in a series-deciding game at Nationals Park — both teams currently share one win each in their three-game series.

Nick Pivetta of the Padres (9-2, ERA 2.88) will square off against MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals (4-8, ERA 3.02) in a promising pitcher’s duel. The Padres have shown better form with a 53-45 record, while the Nationals remain fifth in the east division at 39-59.

James Wood leads the Nationals with 24 home runs, while Manny Machado stands as the Padres’ powerhouse with 18 home runs. In their last 10 games, the Nationals have struggled — winning only two games with a .234 batting average.

Both teams face injury challenges — the Nationals missing several key players including Trevor Williams and Keibert Ruiz, while the Padres are without Michael King and Joe Musgrove who remain on the injured list.