The Washington Nationals host the Colorado Rockies at Nationals Park on Wednesday, August 26, with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 PM ET. Matt Waldron takes the ball for Washington against Colorado's Tanner Gordon in what shapes up as a mid-week matchup between two National League clubs navigating the final stretch of the regular season. With summer winding down and roster decisions looming, every game on the home schedule carries weight for a Nationals club looking to finish strong in front of its fans.
Starting Pitchers: Matt Waldron vs. Tanner Gordon
Matt Waldron draws the start for Washington. The right-hander has been part of the Nationals' pitching mix this season, and Wednesday represents another opportunity to build on his work and give the bullpen a breather. How deep Waldron can go will be one of the central storylines of this game.
Tanner Gordon gets the nod for Colorado. The Rockies have leaned on their younger arms throughout the season, and Gordon will be looking to keep Washington's lineup off-balance at Nationals Park, which is no easy assignment. His command and ability to generate soft contact early in the game will be worth watching.
Keys to Watch Wednesday Night
- Waldron's pitch efficiency: If Waldron can work deep into the game by keeping Colorado's hitters from working long at-bats, it eases the load on a Washington bullpen that has been taxed during this stretch of the schedule.
- Washington's offense at home: Nationals Park can play spacious in the outfield gaps, and the Nationals will need to string together quality at-bats against Gordon rather than waiting for the big inning.
- Colorado's road approach: The Rockies play their home games at altitude, and their hitters can sometimes struggle to make adjustments when traveling to sea-level ballparks. Washington should look to exploit any timing issues early.
- Bullpen usage: Depending on how the starters fare, both managers may get creative with their relievers. Watch for matchup decisions in the middle innings if either starter exits before the sixth.
Broadcast Information
Washington-area fans can catch the game on Nationals.TV or tune in locally on WJFK 106.7 The Fan. Colorado fans can follow the action on Rockies.TV or listen on KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM.
Prediction
This one figures to be a low-scoring affair with two starters who both have something to prove. Give the edge to Washington at home. Nationals Park tends to favor pitching, and if Waldron keeps the Rockies in the park, the Nationals offense should find enough opportunities against Gordon to come away with a victory. Nationals 4, Rockies 2.
