The Washington Nationals close out their three-game weekend series against the San Diego Padres on Sunday afternoon, with the matchup set as a decisive rubber game. Washington enters the finale looking to secure its first series win over San Diego since taking two of three from June 23–25, 2023, on the road. A victory would also mark a rare home series win over the Padres—their first at Nationals Park since May 21–23, 2018.

The Nationals have shown resilience in series-deciding games, posting a 5–3 record in rubber matchups this season, including wins in four of their last five. With momentum on their side, Washington has an opportunity not only to claim the series but also to cap off a strong month. A win would give the Nationals 16 victories in May, their highest single-month total since August 2023, when they went 17–11.

The Washington Nationals will be sending RHP Zack Littell who has a 4-4 record and an a 5.23 ERA. The San Diego Padres will send right handed pitcher Griffin Canning who has a 0-3 record and an a 7.54 ERA.

Yesterday afternoon, the Washington Nationals defeated the San Diego Padres, 9-4. The winning pitcher was Brad Lord who now has a record of 3-0 and the losing pitcher was Michael King who now has a record of 4-4. Thanks to Saturday's come-from behind, the Nationals have won five of seven and seven of their last 11 games.

The Nationals are 19-13 (.594) since April 25 and have won seven of their 10 series over this stretch. Additionally, the Nationals are 8-5 (.615) in their last 13 home games. This improvement comes after a 3-12 (.200) record at home to start the 2026 season.

On Deck…

Tomorrow, the Washington Nationals will kick off the second half of their home stand by welcoming the Miami Marins to Nationals Park. The Nationals will send right handed pitcher Cade Cavalli who has a 3-3 record and a 3.62 ERA to the mound and will face righty Sandy Alcantara who has a 3-4 record and a 4.66 ERA.

Cade Cavalli is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA (3 ER/13.0 IP), 16 strikeouts, three walks and a .196 opponents' average in his last two starts. The two Cavalli and Alcantara both faced off earlier this month on May 10, 2026 at IoanDepot Park in Miami.

In the hole…

On Tuesday, the Nationals will play game two of three against the Miami Marlins with the first pitch at 6:45 p.m. EDT. The Nationals are planning on sending right handed pitcher Miles Mikolas (1-4, 5.72 to the mound to face the Marlins, while Miami hasn’t announced its probable starter.