NEWSLETTER
Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates (18-8) visit Keibert Ruiz and the Washington Nationals (9-15) on Friday in a series opener, with first pitch at 7:05 PM ET.
The article below will give you everything you need to know to watch Pittsburgh play Washington.
When is Pirates vs. Nationals and when does it start?
This matchup between the Pirates and Nationals will happen on Friday, April 28, 2023. You can expect the opening pitch at 7:05 PM ET.
Where to watch Pirates vs. Nationals
The Pirates and Nationals will hit the diamond at Nationals Park for this matchup on April 28, and if you would like to catch the event live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats!
What channel is the game on?
You can catch this game live on MLB Network.
Watch the Pirates vs. Nationals live stream on Fubo
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Pirates vs. Nationals Game Preview
Pirates Stats, Odds & Insights
The Pirates have won all five of the games they have been the moneyline favorite this season.
Pittsburgh ranks 13th in baseball with 30 total home runs.
The Pirates’ .438 slugging percentage ranks sixth-best in baseball.
Pittsburgh has a 3.60 team ERA that ranks eighth among all MLB pitching staffs.
Pitchers for the Pirates combine for the 16th-ranked WHIP in the majors (1.301).
Nationals Stats, Odds & Insights
This season, the Nationals have won nine out of the 24 games, or 37.5%, in which they’ve been the underdog.
Washington has hit just 14 homers this season, which ranks 29th in the majors.
The Nationals rank 28th in the majors with a .346 team slugging percentage.
Washington pitchers have a combined ERA of 4.16 ERA this year, which ranks 14th in MLB.
Nationals pitchers have a 1.352 WHIP this season, 21st in the majors.
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Pirates Starter Recent Performance: Rich Hill
| Opponent | Date | IP | H | R | ER | K | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Reds | Apr. 22 | 5.0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 3 |
| at Rockies | Apr. 17 | 6.0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 2 |
| vs. Astros | Apr. 12 | 6.0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| vs. White Sox | Apr. 7 | 4.0 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| at Reds | Apr. 1 | 5.0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 2 |
Nationals Starter Recent Performance: Chad Kuhl
| Opponent | Date | IP | H | R | ER | K | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| at Twins | Apr. 22 | 3.2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| vs. Guardians | Apr. 15 | 4.2 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| at Rockies | Apr. 9 | 5.0 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| vs. Rays | Apr. 4 | 5.0 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Pirates Key Players to Watch
The Pirates are sending Rich Hill (2-2) to make his sixth start of the season. He is 2-2 with a 4.85 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings pitched.
In his most recent outing on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds, the left-hander tossed five innings, allowing one earned run while surrendering six hits.
In five games this season, the 43-year-old has an ERA of 4.85, with 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Opponents are hitting .272 against him.
Reynolds leads Pittsburgh in batting average (.301), home runs (five) and runs batted in (20) this season.
Andrew McCutchen leads Pittsburgh in home runs with five while driving in 13 runs and slugging .506.
Ke’Bryan Hayes is slashing .229/.292/.375 this season for the Pirates.
Nationals Key Players to Watch
The Nationals will hand the ball to Chad Kuhl (0-1) for his fifth start of the season.
The right-hander’s last appearance was on Saturday, when he threw 3 2/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins, giving up one earned run while allowing three hits.
The 30-year-old has pitched in four games this season with an ERA of 7.36 and 6.9 strikeouts per nine innings, with an opponent batting average of .278.
Ruiz has accumulated a team-high batting average of .296.
Alex Call has a double, two home runs and 15 walks while hitting .239.
Jeimer Candelario has hit a team-high four home runs.
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