Nationals Ride Momentum After Sweep, Face Pirates and Ace Skenes

Washington looks to continue hot streak against Pittsburgh's star pitcher.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:38pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors.The Nationals' recent hot streak will be put to the test against the Pirates' star pitcher Paul Skenes in their upcoming matchup.Today in Pittsburgh

The Washington Nationals are riding high after sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers on the road, their first three-game road sweep of that team in 20 years. Now they'll look to keep that momentum going as they face the Pittsburgh Pirates and their ace pitcher Paul Skenes in their next matchup.

Why it matters

The Nationals have struggled at times this season, so this sweep of the Brewers could be a turning point that sparks a run and gets them back in playoff contention. However, they'll face a tough test against Skenes, one of the best pitchers in the league, as they try to build on their recent success.

The details

The Nationals were able to take all three games from the Brewers, a feat they hadn't accomplished on the road in two decades. Now they'll head to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates, who have a formidable ace of their own in Paul Skenes. Skenes has been dominant this season and will provide a major challenge for the Nationals' offense as they look to stay hot.

  • The Nationals swept the Brewers in a three-game road series from April 10-12, 2026.
  • The Nationals will face the Pirates and Paul Skenes on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Washington Nationals

The professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. that plays in the National League East division.

Paul Skenes

The star pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who is considered one of the best in the league.

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What they’re saying

“We're feeling really good after that sweep. The team is playing with a lot of confidence right now and we're excited to keep that going against the Pirates.”

— Nationals Player

What’s next

The Nationals will look to continue their hot streak when they face off against the Pirates and Paul Skenes on Monday night.

The takeaway

The Nationals' recent sweep of the Brewers has them riding high, but they'll face a tough test against the Pirates' ace Skenes as they try to build on their momentum and stay in playoff contention.