Nationals vs Orioles Preview: Zack Littell vs Kyle Bradish in Beltway Rubber Match | June 28, 2026
The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles wrap up their three-game series on Sunday afternoon with plenty riding on the outcome. The Nationals improved to 42-42 while the Orioles sit at 39-45 heading into the 1:35 pm ET first pitch at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
This matchup carries extra weight after the teams split the first two games. Baltimore took the opener 3-1 on Friday. Washington responded with a 4-3 win in 10 innings on Saturday. A series victory for either side would provide meaningful momentum during a season where both clubs hover near the .500 mark in their respective divisions.
Zack Littell takes the ball for Washington. The right-hander enters with a 6-6 record and 5.40 ERA over 75 innings. He has shown the ability to eat innings but has also surrendered 21 home runs, a number that has inflated his ERA at times. Littell’s experience in big spots gives the Nationals a steady presence on the mound.
Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles. The former standout owns a 5-7 mark with a sharp 3.64 ERA across 89 innings. Bradish has looked more like his old self in recent outings, posting back-to-back quality starts that included double-digit strikeout potential in one of them. His ability to miss bats remains a major weapon for Baltimore.
Here is a quick look at how the starters stack up:
| Pitcher | Team | W-L | ERA | IP | K | BB | HR Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Littell | WSH | 6-6 | 5.40 | 75.0 | 46 | 23 | 21 |
| Kyle Bradish | BAL | 5-7 | 3.64 | 89.0 | 94 | 42 | 11 |
The atmosphere at Camden Yards on a late June Sunday always feels distinct. The sun sits high over the harbor, and the smell of Old Bay seasoning drifts from concession stands. Fans make the short drive up I-95 from the DC area, creating pockets of red mixed among the home black and orange. It is a true rivalry game even when both teams sit outside the top wild-card spots. You can sense the tension in the air when the first pitch is thrown and the crowd settles in for nine innings of Beltway baseball.
Several storylines will shape how this one unfolds. Washington’s lineup has shown flashes of speed and extra-base power, particularly from young contributors who have helped keep the club competitive. Baltimore will look to its core hitters to manufacture runs against Littell, who has been susceptible to the long ball at times. Bullpen management could prove decisive if the game stays tight into the later innings, especially after both teams used multiple arms on Saturday.
The Orioles desperately want to avoid dropping two of three at home to their closest geographic rival. A win would give them a series split and a chance to build positive vibes heading into the coming week. For the Nationals, taking two of three on the road would mark another step forward in a season where they have hovered right around the break-even point.
Expect a competitive afternoon. Bradish has the better surface numbers and recent momentum, but Littell has proven capable of grinding through outings and keeping his team in games. The bullpens and late-inning execution will likely decide whether the rubber match goes to the visitors or stays in Baltimore.
