The Washington Nationals' dominant spring continues. Young squad aims to extend win streak against division rival Marlins, showcasing solid offense and pitching.
Sure, Spring Training doesn’t technically count for much, but the Washington Nationals have the highest win percentage out of any team currently, and I think that’s something to celebrate. The young squad looks to continue their hot start against the division rival Miami Marlins Sunday afternoon.
The Nats are coming off a 3-2 win against the New York Mets on Saturday. Jake Irvin looked promising as he threw for the starting three innings, letting up just one hit with a walk and four strikeouts. A piece in Washington’s incomplete rotation, Irvin will be looking to deliver this spring in order to secure his spot. Solid situational offense by Washington allowed them to tack on three runs, just enough to top this familiar Mets team.
Brad Lord is set to take the mound first for the Nats on Sunday. A familiar staple in Washington’s bullpen, Lord will be handed the ball for the first time this spring. During the 2025 season, Lord made appearances as both a starter and reliever, compiling a 4.34 ERA. His most recent appearance against Miami came in June, when he logged three innings across two relief outings against the Marlins, allowing three hits while striking out two.
Lord is looking to make a statement in his sophomore season. Manager Blake Butera has been impressed with what he’s seen from the right-hander so far this year. Smiling during a press conference earlier this spring, he joked, “I’m glad I’m not a hitter,” in reference to Lord.
From the other bullpen, Miami will send out veteran right-hander Chris Paddack first. Paddack recorded a 5.35 ERA in 2025 after spending time with a few ball clubs throughout the season. He most recently hails from the Detroit Tigers, and the Marlins picked him up as a free agent earlier this off season.
With a knack for inducing whiffs, Paddack has the kind of arsenal that produces some funky strikeouts.
The Nationals only have two losses across nine games this spring. If they want to keep rolling, they need to continue winning these close matchups. Most of Washington’s victories have come from low scoring, tight game efforts. Their ability to stay situationally sharp to pull ahead in these games is a positive early reflection on Blake Butera and his rising stars.
Although spring training standing won’t carry into the regular season, wins in games like these bring excitement to a starved clubhouse. Roster spots and roles are still being decided, and it’s worth watching how long this momentum carries.