Padres and Nationals Battle in Crucial Series in Washington

According to Associated Press, the San Diego Padres will face the Washington Nationals in a series-deciding game at Nationals Park — both teams currently share wins in their three-game series at 1-1.

Nick Pivetta of the Padres (9-2, ERA 2.88) will square off against MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals (4-8, ERA 3.02) on the mound. The Padres — currently second in the NL West with a 53-45 record — have edged the Nationals 3-2 in their season meetings.

Manny Machado leads the Padres with 18 home runs, while James Wood anchors the Nationals with 24 home runs. In their last 10 games, the Padres posted a 6-4 record with a .249 batting average, while the Nationals managed just 2 wins.

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.