The Washington Nationals dropped a tight 3-2 decision to the San Diego Padres on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Petco Park. Jake Irvin took the loss after allowing three earned runs over 5.2 innings, and the Nationals' offense managed just two runs — both on a Dylan Crews home run — against a Padres pitching staff that held Washington at bay from the sixth inning on. Mason Miller closed it out in the ninth for the save, leaving the Nationals on the wrong end of a one-run game they had every chance to win.

Jake Irvin Struggles to Hold San Diego's Lineup

Irvin's night was a grind from the start. The right-hander surrendered eight hits and two walks across 5.2 innings, punching out three but never finding a consistent rhythm against a Padres lineup that put the bat on the ball all evening. Fernando Tatis Jr. went 3-for-4, Manny Machado added 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Jackson Merrill was the most damaging, going 3-for-4 with two RBI. San Diego collected its three runs off Irvin, and that total proved to be enough.

Washington's bullpen held its own after Irvin exited. Jared Simpson tossed a clean inning with a strikeout, and Jack Sinclair worked 1.1 frames allowing just one hit and one walk while keeping the Nationals within striking distance. The problem was the offense couldn't capitalize on the bullpen's work.

Dylan Crews Provides All of Washington's Offense

If there was a bright spot for the Nationals on Monday, it was Dylan Crews. The outfielder accounted for both Washington runs with a home run, going 2-for-4 on the night with two RBI. His blast gave the Nationals life, but it wasn't enough firepower against a Padres staff that was sharp after Irvin's damage was done.

Beyond Crews, Washington's offense was quiet. The Nationals managed only limited production against Nick Pivetta, who was excellent through five shutout innings — allowing just two hits and zero walks while striking out two. Pivetta earned the win, and it's hard to argue with his performance. He gave San Diego exactly what it needed.

San Diego's Bullpen Slams the Door

After Pivetta exited, the Padres turned to Kyle Hart, who ran into trouble in his one inning of work — allowing two hits and two earned runs, which is where Crews' home run landed on the ledger. But San Diego's late relievers were sharp. Bradgley Rodriguez struck out two in a perfect inning, Adrian Morejon added a clean frame of his own, and then Mason Miller came on in the ninth and was untouchable — two strikeouts, one hit allowed, no runs. Miller nailed down the save and ended any Nationals comeback hopes before they could fully form.

Turning Point: Hart's Inning Opens a Door Washington Couldn't Push Through

The Crews home run off Hart in the sixth made it a one-run game and gave Washington a genuine shot. But the Nationals couldn't string anything together against Rodriguez, Morejon, or Miller in the final three innings. The bullpen combination of strikeouts and soft contact was too much for a Washington lineup that had already been held to two hits through Pivetta's five innings. When the best opportunity arrived, the Nationals couldn't extend it.

What's Next for the Nationals

Washington remains on the road following this loss. The Nationals will look to bounce back in their next game after dropping this one-run decision in San Diego. Irvin will need to sharpen his command — eight hits allowed in fewer than six innings is not a formula for wins — and the offense will need more contributors beyond Crews to generate consistent pressure late in games.

  • Final Score: Padres 3, Nationals 2
  • Winning Pitcher: Nick Pivetta (5.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 2 K)
  • Losing Pitcher: Jake Irvin (5.2 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K)
  • Save: Mason Miller (1.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K)
  • Nationals offensive highlight: Dylan Crews — 2-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Padres offensive highlights: Jackson Merrill 3-for-4, 2 RBI; Fernando Tatis Jr. 3-for-4; Manny Machado 2-for-4, 1 RBI