Pirates vs Nationals: Chandler and Mikolas close odd D.C. series
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals close their Independence Day weekend series on July 5, 2026, at Nationals Park with Bubba Chandler (3-8, 4.62 ERA) starting against Miles Mikolas (2-7, 5.44 ERA). This Pirates Nationals finale follows unusual start times in D.C. as both wild-card hopefuls chase a series win before the All-Star break.
Key Takeaways
- First pitch is 1:00 p.m. ET on Peacock and KDKA AM/FM at Nationals Park.
- Chandler and Mikolas both enter with recent struggles and sub-.500 records on the mound.
- Pittsburgh (44-45) and Washington (46-43) are fourth in their divisions and in the NL wild-card mix.
- Mikolas last faced the Pirates on April 14; the Nationals won 5-4 at PNC Park.
- The holiday weekend in the nation's capital featured unusual start times for the series.
Why does this Pirates Nationals series feel so unusual?
Washington is hosting Pittsburgh during America's 250th birthday weekend, and the schedule has stood out. As Yahoo Sports reported, it has been a unique Independence Day series with strange start times for the Pirates Nationals matchup in the nation's capital.
That timing twist adds a buzzy layer to an otherwise routine NL matchup. For more offbeat stories from the holiday weekend, see our Bizarre News & Florida Man coverage.
How have Bubba Chandler and Miles Mikolas performed lately?
Chandler took the loss in his last start against Philadelphia. He pitched 6.1 innings, the longest outing of his season, but allowed seven hits and five runs in an 8-0 defeat.
Mikolas is 2-7 with a 5.44 ERA in his first year with Washington. The 37-year-old former two-time All-Star spent eight seasons with St. Louis but has not matched that level in D.C.
In his most recent start against Boston, Mikolas went seven innings and gave up nine hits and six earned runs in a 6-3 loss. Against Pittsburgh on April 14, he lasted 3.1 innings with three hits and three earned runs as the Nationals won 5-4.
Where does the Pirates Nationals matchup stand in the wild-card picture?
Both clubs entered the holiday weekend in the thick of the NL wild-card race. CBS Sports noted Pittsburgh sat fourth in the NL Central at 44-45, while Washington was fourth in the NL East at 46-43.
Pittsburgh won the series opener 9-5 on Friday. A Sunday win in D.C. would help the Pirates build momentum heading into the All-Star break, according to Yahoo Sports.
When and where is the series finale?
The Pirates Nationals series finale is set for Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The broadcast is on KDKA AM/FM and Peacock.
The confirmed pitching matchup is Chandler (3-8, 4.62 ERA) versus Mikolas (2-7, 5.44 ERA). Both pitchers are looking for bounce-back outings as the three-game set concludes.