The Washington Nationals welcome the Houston Astros to Nationals Park on Wednesday, July 8, with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 PM ET. Foster Griffin gets the ball for Washington against Houston's Spencer Arrighetti in what figures to be a compelling midseason matchup. The Astros are a consistent force in the American League, and games like this one — an interleague meeting against a proven organization — give the Nationals a real measuring stick heading deeper into the 2026 campaign. Every opportunity to test yourself against Houston's caliber of roster matters.
Pitching Matchup: Foster Griffin vs. Spencer Arrighetti
Foster Griffin draws the start for the Nationals. The left-handed organizational depth piece has been working to carve out a reliable role in Washington's rotation, and Wednesday's assignment against a disciplined Houston lineup is a legitimate test. Griffin will need to keep the ball down, work ahead in counts, and limit walks — the Astros punish pitchers who give them extra baserunners.
On the other side, Spencer Arrighetti takes the hill for Houston. The right-hander has shown flashes of swing-and-miss stuff and is part of the Astros' ongoing effort to develop their next generation of starting pitching. Washington's lineup will need to grind at-bats, work pitch counts, and look for opportunities to do damage when Arrighetti leaves pitches in the zone.
Keys to Watch for the Nationals
- Griffin's command: Against a lineup as experienced as Houston's, any free passes become dangerous. Griffin's ability to throw strikes early in counts will go a long way toward determining how deep he can pitch into the game.
- Offensive patience: The Astros pitch with purpose and don't beat themselves. Washington will need to be selective, work deep into counts, and manufacture runs when extra-base hits aren't available.
- Bullpen management: If Griffin doesn't go deep into the game, the Nationals' relief corps will face a real test. How Washington manages the back half of the game could be the deciding factor.
- Home-field energy: Nationals Park gives Washington a genuine edge. Getting the crowd into it early with a quick half-inning or a lead-off hit can shift the atmosphere and put pressure on Arrighetti.
Prediction
This is a tough draw for Washington. The Astros are a seasoned club that knows how to win close games, and Arrighetti gives them a capable arm at the top of the evening. Griffin is capable of a quality outing, but he'll need to be at his best. Expect a competitive, low-scoring game that comes down to the middle innings. The Nationals have the home crowd behind them and enough in their lineup to make noise — call it a 4-3 Nationals win if Griffin can keep Houston off the board in the early frames and the bullpen holds serve.
Catch the action on Nationals.TV or listen live on WJFK 106.7 The Fan. First pitch is set for 6:45 PM ET at Nationals Park.
