Match Preview
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals continue their three-game series at Nationals Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.
Arizona is expected to start rookie left-hander Mitch Bratt, while Washington counters with left-hander Foster Griffin. Bratt enters with a 5.06 ERA and seven strikeouts in limited major-league action. Griffin has been one of Washington’s most dependable starters, carrying an 11-2 record, a 2.68 ERA and 111 strikeouts into Saturday.
The starting-pitching comparison favours Washington, but Arizona enters with the stronger momentum. The Diamondbacks won Friday’s opener 3-2 after Gabriel Moreno delivered the deciding sacrifice fly in the seventh inning. Eduardo Rodriguez allowed two runs over six innings, and Paul Sewald completed a perfect ninth for his 24th save.
Friday’s victory was Arizona’s fourth consecutive win and sixth in its previous seven games. The Diamondbacks also improved to 54-49, while Washington fell to 52-51.
Griffin makes this a challenging matchup, but Arizona’s recent form, offensive depth and late-inning pitching provide a realistic path to another road victory.
Arizona Diamondbacks Analysis
Arizona has become one of the National League’s hotter teams.
The Diamondbacks have combined timely offence with improved pitching during their recent winning stretch. Friday’s opener was another example. Arizona did not dominate offensively, but it manufactured three runs, received a quality start and protected the lead with its bullpen.
That balanced approach will be important against Griffin.
The Washington left-hander owns excellent numbers and should be difficult to score against during the opening innings. Arizona must avoid chasing pitches outside the strike zone or allowing him to work through quick innings.
The Diamondbacks should focus on extending at-bats, creating traffic and forcing Griffin to pitch from the stretch. Even if Arizona cannot produce a major inning against him, increasing his pitch count could create opportunities against Washington’s bullpen later in the game.
Bratt represents the largest concern for Arizona. The rookie does not have an extensive major-league track record and will be facing a Nationals lineup with dangerous hitters such as CJ Abrams, James Wood and Dylan Crews.
Arizona does not need Bratt to match Griffin pitch for pitch. Five competitive innings with limited damage may be enough if the Diamondbacks can keep the score close and turn the game over to their stronger late-inning options.
The Diamondbacks have also been productive offensively since the beginning of July. During their recent surge, they have ranked among baseball’s better run-scoring teams while showing noticeable improvement in preventing runs.
Washington Nationals Analysis
Washington enters Saturday knowing it missed an important opportunity in the series opener.
The Nationals received a two-run home run from Crews and placed additional runners on base, but they failed to capitalize on several scoring chances. Washington stranded important runners and could not produce the tying run against Arizona’s bullpen.
Griffin gives the Nationals an excellent opportunity to respond.
His 11-2 record and 2.68 ERA make him the most accomplished starter in Saturday’s matchup. He has also recorded 111 strikeouts, giving Washington a pitcher capable of escaping difficult situations without relying entirely on his defence.
The Nationals should attempt to pressure Bratt immediately. Their young hitters have enough power and athleticism to create an early lead before Arizona can settle into the game.
Washington’s home performance remains a concern. The Nationals entered the series with one of baseball’s weakest home records at 20-31, despite remaining involved in the National League wild-card race.
That inconsistency at Nationals Park makes Washington difficult to trust automatically, even with Griffin holding the pitching advantage.
Why We Like This Pick
This selection is based on Arizona’s recent momentum, lineup depth and ability to win close games.
The Diamondbacks have won four straight and six of their previous seven. They also showed Friday that they can manufacture runs and protect a narrow advantage on the road.
Washington clearly has the stronger starting pitcher, so Arizona is not the safest selection on Saturday’s card. Bratt must limit walks and avoid allowing the Nationals to build a large early lead.
However, the game does not end when the starters leave.
Arizona should have the advantage if it can force Griffin out after five or six innings and turn the matchup into a bullpen battle. The Diamondbacks’ recent offensive production and dependable late-inning relief give them a strong chance of stealing another close game.
The moneyline is the preferred approach because Griffin’s presence makes a comfortable Arizona victory unlikely.
Final Prediction
Expect Griffin to pitch well and give Washington an early advantage, but Arizona should remain within striking distance.
The Diamondbacks’ deeper lineup should eventually create opportunities against the Nationals bullpen. Arizona’s recent confidence and stronger late-game execution should help it secure another narrow road victory.
Final Score Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks 4, Washington Nationals 3
Official FirePicksHQ Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks Moneyline