The Los Angeles Angels and the Washington Nationals commenced a three-game series on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. The game featured a pitching matchup between left-hander Yusei Kikuchi for the Angels and right-hander Cade Cavalli for the Nationals.
The Nationals entered the series with a 67-81 record, placing them fifth in the National League East, while the Angels held a 56-90 record, also fifth in the American League West. Despite their standings, both teams aimed to finish the season on a positive note.
Cade Cavalli has been a standout for the Nationals this season, boasting a 12-5 record with a 3.12 ERA and 185 strikeouts over 158.2 innings. His performance has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for Washington. On the other side, Yusei Kikuchi has struggled, recording a 1-5 record with a 4.96 ERA and 49 strikeouts.
Offensively, the Nationals have been more productive, averaging 5.1 runs per game and leading the majors with 198 home runs. Outfielder James Wood has been a key contributor, hitting .266 with 30 home runs and 29 doubles. The Angels, in contrast, have averaged 4.0 runs per game, with Zach Neto leading the team with 25 home runs.
The series opener was anticipated to be a competitive matchup, with the Nationals favored due to their offensive prowess and Cavalli's strong pitching. However, the Angels aimed to leverage their recent momentum, having won two consecutive games prior to this series.
As the series progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with the Nationals seeking to snap their losing streak and the Angels aiming to continue their recent success.