The Washington Nationals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-5 on Friday, July 3, 2026, fueled by two-homer performances from Luis García Jr. and Daylen Lile. Playing in 100-degree heat at Nationals Park, Washington leveraged a dominant offensive surge and a strong start by Foster Griffin to secure their fifth win in six games, according to CBS Sports.
Luis García Jr. and the Nationals’ Power Surge
Washington’s offense exploited the sweltering conditions, with the 100-degree game-time temperature marking the third hottest in the history of Nationals Park. As MLB.com reported, the Nationals have now hit an MLB-best 85 home runs since May 6. Luis García Jr. and Daylen Lile each connected for two home runs, while José Tena added one to the tally.
García is currently in the midst of a career-defining stretch. The reigning National League Player of the Week has homered five times in his last six games and nine times over his last 13. He has reached a career high with 18 homers this season and leads the team with 62 RBIs. His 41 RBIs since May 24 are the most in the Majors.
“That’s what makes this team and this lineup really special. One night it can be two guys, the next night it can be another two, and then it can be all nine of us. That’s really special.”
Luis García Jr., via MLB.com
Manager Blake Butera attributed García’s success to his elite hand-eye coordination and ability to cover the entire strike zone.
“With Luis’ bat-to-ball skill, it’s hard to find a spot to get him out. He’s got really good hand-eye coordination, he’s able to cover every pitch, especially when he’s seeing the ball as well as he is right now.”
Blake Butera, Nationals Manager, via MLB.com
Foster Griffin’s Workhorse Performance
Photo: MLB.com
On the mound, Foster Griffin earned the win, improving to 9-2. Griffin allowed just one run on four hits over five innings, lowering his ERA to 2.87. This performance extended a streak of six consecutive outings where Griffin has allowed one run or fewer.
The outing was as much about endurance as it was about efficiency. Griffin has thrown at least 100 pitches in each of his previous four starts. During Friday’s game, he reached two significant career milestones: 100 strikeouts and more than 100 innings pitched.
Griffin’s Stat
Value
Innings Pitched (Season)
103 1/3
ERA
2.87
Last 9 Starts Record
5-0
Nationals’ Record in Last 9 Griffin Starts
8-1
Griffin admitted he lacked his typical “swing-and-miss stuff” and had to fight through deep counts and frequent foul balls early in the game.
“I was trying to get quick outs, but I couldn’t do that early. They battled me through some counts, a lot of foul balls. I didn’t really have my swing-and-miss stuff tonight, but nonetheless I was able to grind through five.”
Foster Griffin, Nationals Pitcher, via MLB.com
Despite the struggle with efficiency, Griffin expressed the most satisfaction in his durability.
“I’m more proud of getting over 100 innings. I pride myself on being a workhorse for this team.”
Foster Griffin, Nationals Pitcher, via MLB.com
The Turning Point: Clayton Beeter’s High-Leverage Strikeout
Luis García Jr. homers (6) on a fly ball to trail the Rockies Nationals Park 6/17/25
The Pirates attempted a comeback in the seventh inning, loading the bases with two outs against reliever Justin Lawrence. To extinguish the threat, Butera called upon right-hander Clayton Beeter. Beeter secured the punchout of Bryan Reynolds on an 87 mph slider, ending the threat and effectively sealing the game.
“We trust the heck out of Clayton Beeter, and we’re going to give him the ball in big spots. To see Clayton come in there, bases loaded against a really good hitter and get the punchout there, honestly in my opinion that was the game, that at-bat.”
Blake Butera, Nationals Manager, via MLB.com
Pittsburgh’s Struggle and Late Rally
The Pirates’ starting pitcher, Mitch Keller, struggled throughout the night. Keller (6-6) surrendered five runs on eight hits over six innings. The ball traveled easily in the heat, which was evident in the distances of Washington’s early home runs: Lile’s 417-foot shot in the second and Tena’s 434-foot blast in the third, as reported by CBS Sports.
Pittsburgh did find some momentum in the ninth inning. The Pirates managed a series of consecutive RBI doubles from Brandon Lowe, Bryan Reynolds, and Esmerlyn Valdez, followed by another RBI double from Nick Gonzales. However, the late surge was not enough to overcome the early deficit.
Upcoming Matchup: July 4th
The series continues on Saturday, July 4, with a game scheduled for 11:05 a.m. The pitching matchup will feature Washington’s Zack Littell (7-6, 5.29 ERA) against Pittsburgh’s Braxton Ashcraft (8-3, 3.33 ERA).
