Nationals vs. Orioles: Battle of the Beltways heads to Baltimore
The nationals orioles rivalry resumes as the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles open a three-game Battle of the Beltways at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Friday, June 26 at 7:05 p.m. ET. Both clubs sit near .500 and need wins in crowded playoff races, with Trevor Rogers facing Andrew Alvarez in the opener.
After a 4-5 West Coast road trip, the Orioles return home six games under .500 and still two games out of the final American League Wild Card spot. The Nationals arrive at 41-41, three games outside the National League playoff picture despite a .500 record in a stacked NL.
This is the second Beltway meeting of 2026. The Orioles dropped two of three in Washington in mid-May, a series that captured the frustrating rhythm of their season: a tight 3-2 loss, a 13-3 blowout, then a 7-3 win behind Brandon Young. For more offbeat sports angles, browse our Bizarre World coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Three-game series runs June 26-28 at Camden Yards, with first pitch Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET.
- Orioles (38-44) and Nationals (41-41) both need momentum in crowded playoff races.
- Washington swept Baltimore at Camden Yards last May; the Orioles want to return the favor.
- Friday starters: Trevor Rogers (4-7, 5.30 ERA) vs. Andrew Alvarez (1-0, 3.34 ERA).
- Watch on MASN, Nationals.TV, or stream via Fubo; sportsbooks list Baltimore as a -140 favorite.
Why does the Battle of the Beltways matter right now?
Neither DMV club has found traction in 2026. The Orioles went 17-18 in the month-plus since their last meeting with Washington and have never climbed closer than two games under .500. The Nationals are 18-17 over the same stretch and recently lost five of their last eight.
Both teams occupy fourth place in their divisions yet remain within striking distance of postseason spots. For Baltimore, a home series against a familiar rival offers a rare chance to build positive momentum after a losing road trip. The stakes are modest on paper, but the Beltway bragging rights and Wild Card math make every game count.
Who is starting for the Nationals and Orioles?
Friday's opener features left-hander Trevor Rogers against Nationals lefty Andrew Alvarez. Rogers posted a 10.31 ERA across four May starts but has rebounded with a 2.22 ERA over his last four outings, including seven scoreless innings against the Dodgers. Alvarez relies heavily on his curveball and slider and should make his first career start against Baltimore.
Saturday brings Brandon Young (6-2, 3.07 ERA) against Foster Griffin (3.15 ERA in 91.1 innings). Baltimore is 10-2 in games Young starts this season. Sunday's finale likely pits Kyle Bradish (5-7, 3.64 ERA), coming off consecutive career-best starts, against Zack Littell or a bullpen day for Washington.
How can you watch Nationals vs. Orioles?
All three games air on MASN and MASN+, according to Camden Chat. The New York Times reports Friday's game also streams on Nationals.TV and via Fubo. First pitch is 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday; Sunday's series finale starts at 1:35 p.m. ET.
According to The Athletic, sportsbooks list the Orioles as -140 moneyline favorites against the Nationals (+115), with a total of 9 runs.
Can the Orioles flip the Camden Yards script?
History offers Baltimore reason for optimism. Before last season, the Orioles were 9-5 against Washington at Camden Yards during the Mike Elias era. That changed when the Nationals swept a three-game set in Baltimore last May, a series whose opener was Brandon Hyde's final game as Orioles manager.
Washington also leads MLB with a .274 average and .793 OPS against left-handed pitching this season, a concern with Rogers on the mound Friday. Still, Coby Mayo's 1.111 OPS against lefties and the Orioles' home success against the Nats give Birdland hope that this weekend can finally shift the season's narrative.