Nationals vs Orioles Preview: Young Arms Face Off in Week 66

Washington's pitching staff is young and hungry to prove itself. Zack Littell takes the mound Sunday, but he's struggling this season with a 6.68 ERA. The Nationals dropped four games in a row and need a spark badly. On the bright side, yesterday's win showed this team can compete. García Jr. cranked a 418-foot home run that flew over the wall. Vivas and Lile drove in big runs. If the bats stay hot, Washington can steal another game in Baltimore.

Baltimore just won and is 39-44 overall. Playing at home, the Orioles are much stronger at 23-19. Kyle Bradish is their starting pitcher today — a quality arm for the rotation. The team lost one closer look at this series when Alonso doubled and Basallo singled to tie things up in the eighth inning yesterday. That game went to extra innings before Washington pulled ahead. Baltimore has to tighten up on defense and close out tight games if they want back into contention. Their bullpen and pitching depth will make the difference.

Both teams are rebuilding their rotations with young talent and experience. Littell is 29 years old and bouncing between teams, searching for consistency. Bradish represents Baltimore's future — a younger pitcher developing his craft. Neither arm is a star yet. Littell has a rough 6.68 ERA. The team with better control and fewer walks will likely win today. Washington's bats showed they can score in tight spots yesterday. Baltimore's bullpen and defense need to stay sharp. Every pitch matters when both staffs are still finding their way.