Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera takes about Daylen Lile's offensive production, strong pitching in Friday's win vs. Baltimore Orioles
Winning at home has been easier said than done for the Washington Nationals through the first two months of the 2026 regular season, but they did exactly that in game one of the Beltway Series against the Baltimore Orioles after taking a 3-2 win on Friday night.
And after the offense took all the attention through the first 44 games, the win came off the heels of an encouraging outing from the Nationals pitching staff that has come under the microscope in 2026.
Zack Littell tossed his first scoreless appearance as a National while throwing five innings for the first time since April 22 vs. Atlanta, allowing just two hits and two walks while tossing three strikeouts to pick up his second win in his last three starts.
Littell allowed just one hit through the first four innings before getting out of a jam in the fifth inning after a hit by pitch then double by Gunnar Henderson put runners on second and third, yet a grounder ended the threat.
For a 30 year old veteran starting pitcher looking for consistency, Friday marked the start of exactly that.
"[He] might've mentioned he feels like he's getting over the hump, both mentally and physically, so hopefully him getting through that fifth inning helps him gain some confidence and some momentum going forward," manager Blake Butera said of Littell.
Hours after being called up, Andrew Alvarez made his second debut of the season where he allowed three hits while tossing five strikeouts in three innings. Alvarez shined before Butera kept him out to open the ninth inning, leading to a pair of runners to reach base before being charged with a pair of late inning runs.
Blake Butera admitted he wanted Alvarez to finish the game, adding "he's been built out to be a starter so had plenty of pitches to work with." Yet the tying run pushed him to turn to Varland.
"Both Zack and [Alvarez] threw the ball great through those eight innings. [Alvarez] was cruising at that point."
Richard Lovelady then came out for the final out to give a right handed pitcher against the right handed batter, a decision that paid off after striking out Adley Rutschman to end the game.
Of course, Friday's game also marked the latest highlight for Daylen Lile, who is up to four home runs over his four games after belting a two-run shot on Friday night.
"Daylen's such a good hitter and I think when he sees some balls find grass, there's some confidence gained up top for him. He's on a roll right now," Butera added.
Whether Washington is able to build on it to pick up its second consecutive win will be the biggest question with the sixth chance this season to climb back to .500 overall.
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