The Washington Nationals close out their series against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Nationals Park, with first pitch set for 1:35 PM ET. Jake Irvin gets the ball for Washington against a Halos club making the trip east late in a long regular season. It is a day game in the nation's capital, and for a Nationals team still building toward the future, every September start carries weight as young pieces continue to log meaningful innings.
Pitching Matchup: Jake Irvin vs. Grayson Rodriguez
Jake Irvin draws the Sunday start for Washington. The right-hander has been one of the steadier presences in the Nationals rotation this season, and a Sunday afternoon assignment at Nationals Park is a chance for him to finish the series on a strong note. His ability to attack hitters with a mix of pitches and keep the ball in the zone will be central to Washington's chances of winning the finale.
Grayson Rodriguez gets the nod for Los Angeles. Rodriguez is a name that Nationals fans will recognize from his minor league days, though he now lines up against Washington wearing an Angels uniform. How he manages Washington's lineup through the middle innings could go a long way toward deciding the outcome.
Keys to Watch for the Washington Nationals
- Irvin's efficiency: If Irvin can work deep into the game and limit walks, Washington's bullpen gets a rest heading into the final weeks of the regular season.
- Capitalizing early: Day games at Nationals Park tend to favor the team that scores first. Washington will want to put pressure on Rodriguez early before the lineup turns over.
- Defensive execution: Clean defense behind Irvin keeps his pitch count manageable and prevents the Angels from stringing together innings on softly-hit balls.
- Bench production: With the roster expanding in September, manager Dave Martinez has options. How Washington uses its depth late in the game could be the difference in a close one.
Broadcast Information
Sunday's game is available on Nationals.TV for Washington viewers. Angels fans can find coverage on ABTV, presented by Pechanga Resort Casino. Radio listeners in the D.C. area can tune in to WJFK 106.7 The Fan, while Angels radio coverage is on KLAA 830 AM.
Prediction
Irvin has shown enough this season to give Washington a legitimate shot in any start he makes. At home on a Sunday afternoon, with the crowd at Nationals Park and a favorable matchup on paper, the Nationals take the series finale. Call it a 4-2 Washington win, with Irvin going six innings and the bullpen holding the lead through the final three outs.
