The Washington Nationals wrap up their West Coast trip with a late-night showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, September 6, with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 PM ET. This is a high-profile regular season matchup between two National League clubs heading into the final weeks of the 2026 season. Andrew Alvarez gets the ball for Washington against Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski, making this a compelling pitching duel to close out what figures to be a draining road series.
Starting Pitchers: Alvarez vs. Wrobleski
Andrew Alvarez draws the assignment for the Nationals in what is one of the most demanding venues in the National League. Pitching at Dodger Stadium under the lights against a Los Angeles lineup is never a routine ask, and Alvarez will need to work efficiently and keep the ball on the ground to give Washington a chance. The Nationals will live or die by how deep he can go into this game, keeping the bullpen fresh for the stretch run.
Justin Wrobleski gets the nod for the Dodgers. He is a young arm who has been a part of Los Angeles's pitching mix this season. National pitchers and hitters alike will need to be prepared for a starter capable of generating early outs and keeping Washington's offense off-balance.
Keys to Watch for the Nationals
- Plate discipline against Wrobleski: Washington needs to work counts and not let a young starter settle in. Patient at-bats will be critical to generating traffic on the bases against a Dodgers staff that consistently limits free passes.
- Alvarez's command: Pitching on the road against one of baseball's most dangerous lineups, Alvarez cannot afford to fall behind in counts. Location and pace will determine how long he stays in the game.
- Bullpen management: With a 10:10 PM ET start and a cross-country flight looming, how manager Dave Martinez deploys his relievers could shape the final innings in a significant way.
- Early-inning offense: The Nationals play better when they score first. Getting something on the board against Wrobleski in the first three innings would put Washington in a favorable position to steal a road win.
Broadcast Information
The game can be seen on SportsNet LA and Nationals.TV. Radio listeners in Washington can tune in to WJFK 106.7 The Fan. Dodgers radio coverage is available on AM570, with Spanish-language coverage on KTNQ 1020.
Prediction
Winning at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium is genuinely difficult for any visiting club, and the Nationals are no exception. That said, a late-season road game with Alvarez on the mound is not a hopeless situation. If Washington can steal a couple of early runs and Alvarez pitches into the sixth, this game is winnable. The Nationals have shown this season they can compete in tough environments when the pitching holds. Expect a close game, but give the edge to the Dodgers based on home-field advantage and the depth of their roster. Dodgers 4, Nationals 2.
