Nationals vs Orioles Preview: Youthful Arms Meet in Week 66

The Nationals are building their future on young pitchers. Andrew Alvarez gets the ball Friday night. This team is still figuring out who will lead them forward. Guys like Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli show real talent but need consistency. Washington sits at 41-40 after losing their last two games. They're on the road and need a win badly. Baltimore's Trevor Rogers waits on the mound at Camden Yards. This matchup will show us whether Washington's young arms can compete with playoff-caliber teams. The Nationals' bullpen features closer Clayton Beeter, who has a real chance to prove himself. Tonight matters for their confidence.

The Orioles are 22-19 at Camden Yards. That's their strength—they play better at home. But Baltimore just lost two straight games. They sit at 38-44 on the season. Middle infielder Jackson Holliday has been dealing with groin soreness but should be ready. Adley Rutschman, their star catcher, won't play tonight due to a concussion. Sam Huff takes over behind the plate. Baltimore needs Trevor Rogers to throw strikes and keep Washington's bats quiet. The Orioles' rotation has taken hits from injuries. This is a must-win moment to climb back into things. Home field advantage could be exactly what they need right now.

Both teams are hungry. Washington lost their last two games. Baltimore lost their last two games. They're meeting at Oriole Park, where the Orioles feel strong. You're watching a Friday night showdown between two squads desperate to turn things around. The Nationals bring youth and possibilities. The Orioles bring experience and home field energy. Andrew Alvarez versus Trevor Rogers—two starters trying to prove themselves. This game could shift momentum for whoever wins. Expect tight pitching and intense at-bats. One team walks away with confidence. The other keeps searching for answers. Baseball at its best happens on nights like this.