Pittsburgh Pirates vs Washington Nationals Picks and Prediction for Saturday July 4 2026

By: Eddie Kline Published 07/04/2026, 01:05 AM ET

Pirates Preview

The Fourth of July MLB schedule will get underway with a matinee between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals from the nation’s capital. Be ready for the baseball season with all of our MLB predictions. The Pirates (44-45) are two games below .500 on the road and are falling out of contention in the NL Central Division standings. Last night, OF Bryan Reynolds went 2-for-4 with a home run and scored twice during a 9-5 road loss against Washington.

Twenty-six year old righty Braxton Ashcraft (8-3 3.33 ERA) will take the mound for the Pirates in this matchup. Pittsburgh has won Ashcraft’s previous three starts and he has allowed eight runs (7 ER) over his last 18 innings.

Nationals Preview

The Washington Nationals have won three straight games and are just six games back of Atlanta for the top spot in the NL East Division. During Friday’s home victory, 1B Luis Garcia Jr. and OF Daylen Lile each homered twice to power the Washington offense. SP Foster Griffin (9-2) allowed one run across five frames to earn the win for the Nationals (46-43), who improved to 18-25 at home.

The Nationals will counter with thirty year old right-hander Zack Littell (7-6 5.29 ERA) on Saturday. In his last start, Littell (5 IP) gave up three hits and two runs during a 6-4 road victory against Baltimore. On the season, Littell has surrendered an alarming 22 long balls across 80 frames.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

Pirates vs Nationals Pick

Pittsburgh OF Oneil Cruz has landed on the 10-day injured list with a hand injury and is not expected to return until after the All-Star Break. Through 89 games, Pittsburgh ranks 2nd in OPS and 3rd in runs scored. For the season, Washington ranks 4th in OPS and 2nd in runs scored. Take the under. Final Score Prediction, Pittsburgh Pirates win 5-2.

Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance

Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.

Min. Deposit $5

Cashable No

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)

Cashable No

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Min. Deposit $5

Odds Requirements -500

Cashable No

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 7/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.