Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals, July 4, 2026, 11:05 a.m. ET
The Pittsburgh Pirates are celebrating the 4th of July by facing off against the Washington Nationals in the nation’s capital. It’s an early start for both teams to give fans an early and bright start to their Independence Day festivities.
Braxton Ashcraft is taking the mound for the Pirates. He’s won his last three starts, including his most recent appearance on June 29 against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he pitched six innings and gave up five hits and five runs. The Pirates’ offense had his back
in the 11-7 victory.
He pitched against the Nationals at home on April 16, going 5.2 innings while giving up five hits and two runs in an 8-7 loss in 10 innings.
Zack Littell is getting the ball for the Nationals in the middle game of the series. Littell won his last start on June 28 against the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched five innings, giving up three hits and two runs in a 6-4 victory at Camden Yards. The Nats are 9-8 this season when Littell pitches, and he has won seven of 13 decisions he has been a part of.
If the Pirates play like they have in Ashcraft’s last three starts, they should be able to walk away with a win.
Location: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Pitching Matchup: Braxton Ashcraft (8-3, 3.33 ERA) vs. Zack Littell (7-6, 5.29 ERA)
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