West Palm Beach, Florida — February 26th, 2026 — A four-run third inning was not enough for the Nats’ pitchers in tonight’s game versus the Astros.

The Nats’ bats were loud for just one inning, scoring four runs in the bottom of the third inning, fueled by a Luis Garcia Jr. three-run homer. Dylan Crews collected his first hit of the spring on an infield single, and CJ Abrams also had a hit. The Nats were active on the basepaths, stealing three bases while getting caught once. Washington couldn’t advance a runner past second base after the fifth inning, so the game ended in a tie, 4-4.

The action came in the third inning for the Nats’ hitters. Abimelec Ortiz was hit by a pitch to leadoff the inning. Ortiz then stole second base following a Matt Mervis strikeout. CJ Abrams drew a walk, and Jacob Young followed with a strikeout. Dylan Crews hit an infield single to shortstop that allowed Ortiz to score. Luis Garcia Jr. followed up Crews with a three-run home run to right field. After the third inning, the Nats only advanced a runner to second base once.

Newly acquired free agent pitcher Miles Mikolas started for the Nats. He walked three batters and struck out two across two innings of work. Mikolas gave up just one hit and threw 48 pitches. Mitchell Parker followed Mikolas and had difficulties finding the strike zone. The left-hander walked four batters and threw just 19 strikes compared to 43 pitches. It was discouraging to see Parker pitch that way when his job is likely on the line. Holden Powell allowed a two-run double to his first batter in the fourth inning, but bounced back to end the inning. Connor Van Scoyoc allowed a two-run double in a similar appearance to Powell, recording just one out.

Andre Granillo pitched one inning while striking out two. Griff McGarry, the Nats Rule-5 Draft selection, pitched in the seventh inning and was impressive. The right-hander struck out two batters and threw just ten pitches. Shinnosuke Ogasawara pitched the final two innings and struck out four batters.

Jacob Young made his first appearance of the spring with a bang. The center fielder robbed Jose Altuve of a home run in the top of the first inning. It may just be spring training, but Young takes no games off in center field. Young’s role will be interesting to monitor this season, as he’s the best fielding outfielder the Nats have, but his bat leaves something to be desired.

The momentum shifted a few times in tonight’s game. The Nats took an early 4-0 lead after three innings, powered by a home run from Luis Garcia. The Astros battled back to score two runs in each of the fourth and fifth innings to tie the game. After about six innings, both teams were deep into their benches, and the momentum sputtered in each dugout.

Player of the Game: Luis Garcia Jr. (2-2, HR, 3 RBI)

The Nats have a quick turnaround to face the Mets tomorrow at 1:10 EST. Jake Irvin gets the ball for Washington, and Tobias Myers is pitching for New York. Irvin has a lot to prove after last season’s struggles, making him a key player to watch this spring.