Nationals Riding Momentum from Sweep, Ready for Pirates and Ace Skenes

Washington looks to extend winning streak against Pittsburgh's star pitcher

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the field.The Nationals' recent offensive surge and the Pirates' ace Skenes collide in an early-season NL clash.San Diego Today

The Washington Nationals, fresh off a three-game road sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers, will face the Pittsburgh Pirates and ace pitcher Paul Skenes in a four-game series starting Monday. The Nationals are riding high after their first three-game sweep of the Brewers in 20 years, with contributions from throughout the lineup. They will send Cade Cavalli to the mound, while the Pirates counter with Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young winner who has pitched better in his last two starts.

Why it matters

The Nationals are looking to build on their recent momentum and continue their winning ways, while the Pirates will try to slow down Washington's hot streak. Skenes' performance will be key for Pittsburgh, as the team looks to bounce back from a frustrating loss to the Cubs after leading 5-0 early. This series could provide an early litmus test for both teams as they aim to establish themselves in the NL East and Central divisions, respectively.

The details

The Nationals swept the Brewers for the first time since 2011, getting offensive contributions from players like James Wood and Keibert Ruiz. Washington manager Blake Butera praised the team's ability to step up in different situations. Cavalli, the Nationals' Opening Day starter, will look to go deeper into the game after only making it past the fifth inning once in three starts this season. The Nationals' bullpen also suffered a potential blow when reliever Ken Waldichuk exited Sunday's game with an apparent arm injury.

  • The Nationals and Pirates will begin their four-game series on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • Cavalli made his lone career start against the Pirates on September 14, 2025.
  • Skenes won his only career start against the Nationals on April 14, 2025.

The players

Cade Cavalli

A right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals who will start the series opener against the Pirates.

Paul Skenes

The reigning National League Cy Young winner, a right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who will start against the Nationals.

James Wood

An outfielder for the Washington Nationals who homered for the fourth time in seven games on Sunday.

Keibert Ruiz

A catcher for the Washington Nationals who delivered a pinch-hit, two-run single to put the team ahead for good in the eighth inning on Sunday.

Blake Butera

The manager of the Washington Nationals.

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What they’re saying

“Starters, bench, we just kept rising to the occasion all the way around. Guys kept coming up big in different situations. They're just all able to contribute one through nine as starters.”

— Blake Butera, Manager, Washington Nationals

“Long way to go, so I'm excited to see what it turns into, 'cause I don't even think we're playing our best baseball yet, which is scary to think about. It's gonna be a lot of fun.”

— Paul Skenes

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This series between the Nationals and Pirates could provide an early barometer for both teams as they look to establish themselves in their respective divisions. The Nationals' recent sweep of the Brewers has them riding high, while the Pirates will try to slow down Washington's momentum with the help of their ace, Paul Skenes.