The Washington Nationals will finish up their three-game series this afternoon against the Minnesota Twins with the first pitch at 2:10 p.m. EDT. The Nationals are scheduled to send RHP Jake Irvin (7-5, 4.81) to the mound, who will be making his first career start in his home state for the first time. The Nationals will be facing RHP Cole Sands, who has a record of 3-3 and a 4.29 ERA. [More later in Game Notes]

Thank you for being a loyal Nats Report member! Enjoy today’s complimentary game notes, and be sure to subscribe to Nats Report+ for comprehensive coverage and deeper insights on the Washington Nationals!

Alex Call stepped up for the Washington Nationals after teammate Jacob Young left the game with a finger injury from a bunt attempt. Call, inheriting a 0-2 count, drove in the Nationals’ first run in 96 hours with a single, then later hit a homer, helping propel the team to a 9-3 win over the Minnesota Twins in what was nearly a homecoming for the Wisconsin native.

The Nationals’ previously stagnant offense broke through against All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan, backed by key contributions from CJ Abrams (three-run double), Luis García Jr. (home run), and Josh Bell (RBI single and scoring on a wild pitch). The Nats had struggled offensively in recent games but erupted for nine runs, ending a 23-inning scoreless streak.

Mitchell Parker, the Nationals’ starter, pitched through frequent base traffic but held the Twins scoreless for five innings before giving up two runs in the sixth. X-rays on Young’s finger were negative; he’s considered day-to-day.

On Deck…

Tomorrow, the Washington Nationals will open a three-game series against the Houston Astros in Houston, with the first pitch set for 8:10 p.m. EDT. The Nationals are scheduled to send RHP Brad Lord (2-5, 3.39 ERA) to the mound. The Nationals are scheduled to face LHP Framber Valdez (11-4, 2.67 ERA)

In the hole…

On Tuesday, the Nationals will play game two of their three-game series against the Astros with the scheduled first pitch at 8:10 p.m.. EDT. The Nationals are scheduled to send RHP Michael Soroka (3-8, 4.85 ERA) to the mound while the Astros have yet to announce their starter for the game.

Alex Call, a native of Burnsville, Minnesota, has been very impressive this season. He is batting .275 with an on-base percentage of .372 and an OPS of .764. He has contributed 24 RBIs, one stolen base, and three home runs. Over his last fifteen games, Call has maintained a .278 batting average, driving in seven RBIs, stealing eight bases, accumulating 10 hits, and posting a slugging percentage of .417.

In last night’s game, Alex Call went 2-for-4, hitting a home run, driving in three runs, and scoring twice. His consistent performance, particularly in recent games, has made him a key offensive player for his team this season.

.

Josh Bell enters today's game in the 2025 season with 13 home runs, 39 RBIs, 69 hits, a batting average of .221, and a slugging percentage of .385 overall. On the road, he has been particularly effective, posting a slugging percentage of .422 with 10 home runs, 26 RBIs, eight doubles, and 43 hits.

Over his last fifteen games, Bell has shown a notable improvement, hitting .304 with a slugging percentage of .482, including two home runs, four RBIs, 17 hits, and 12 strikeouts. Last night, Bell went 1-for-5 with an RBI, continuing his recent hot streak and providing valuable offensive contributions for the Nationals

Right-handed pitcher Jake Irvin enters today’s game with a record of 7-5 and a 4.81 ERA. Over his last seven starts, Irvin has gone 2-2 with an ERA of 6.19 over 36.1 innings pitched, giving up 25 earned runs, striking out 30, and walking 16. In his last start against the Reds on July 21st, Irvin only pitched. 3.2 innings, giving up five earned runs, striking out one, walking three, and giving up six hits.

Jake Irvin has made one regular-season appearance against the Minnesota Twins, pitching 6.1 innings with a record of 0 wins and one loss, a 2.84 ERA, six strikeouts, and no walks.

The Twins have a 29-21 record at home this season, while posting a 21-33 record on the road. A win today would mark their fourth consecutive series victory at Target Field, following series wins against Tampa Bay (July 4-6), Chicago-NL (July 8-10), and Pittsburgh (July 11-13) during their last homestand. Over their last 13 home games since June 25, the Twins have gone 9-4. Byron Buxton boasts a 1.006 OPS in 42 home games this year, ranking fifth-best in baseball.

Entering today’s game, the Twins are 3-7 in rubber games this season, with a 1-2 record in such games at home. Their only home rubber game win came on April 16 against New York-NL—a 4-3 walk-off win in 10 innings. The Twins have lost their last six rubber games dating back to May 28 at Tampa Bay; their most recent rubber game win was on May 4 at Boston, with a 5-4 victory.

Right-handed pitcher Cole Sands has shown effectiveness against both left-handed and right-handed hitters this season, with a batting average against of .282 versus lefties and .244 versus righties. In a recent outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sands allowed one run on two hits during the 7th and 8th innings, striking out two notable batters, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman.

In interleague play this season, Sands has yet to face the Washington Nationals but holds a 1-0 record with a 3.78 ERA across 14 games, pitching 16.2 innings. He has allowed seven earned runs, one home run, issued five walks, and recorded 10 strikeouts while also earning three holds in these matchups. Overall, Sands has contributed as a reliable arm in various game situations for the Twins through 2025, demonstrating solid strikeout ability and competitive numbers against both left- and right-handed hitters.

Day:21-30 | Night: 29-24 | Home Record: 29-21 | Road Record: 21-33

Current Streak: L1 | Last Five: 3-3 | Last Ten: 5-6 | Current Month: 10-10

Series Finales: 12-21 | N.L. Teams: 16-22