The Washington Nationals have returned to Nationals Park for a pivotal homestand, featuring a three-game series against the Miami Marlins from June 13 to 15, followed by a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies from June 16 to 19, 2025. This stretch is packed with exciting promotions, events, and opportunities for fans to engage with the team, even as the Nationals seek to rebound from a recent slump.
Coming off a tough road series against the New York Mets, where they lost two out of three games, the Nationals entered this homestand desperate to halt a five-game losing streak. Their offense, which has struggled with a .196 batting average and an average of just 1.6 runs per game over the last five outings, was looking to find its rhythm again. James Wood, leading the team with a .281 average, 16 home runs, and 45 RBIs, along with C.J. Abrams, who boasts a .264 average with 14 doubles and nine home runs, were key figures expected to spark the offense.
On Friday, June 13, the Nationals hosted the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park with a 6:45 PM start time. Mitchell Parker took the mound for Washington, carrying a 4.44 ERA over 71.2 innings this season. Despite his solid numbers, Parker had allowed 16 earned runs in his last five starts and struggled with a low strikeout rate of 15.7%. The Nationals bullpen also ranked poorly with a 4.89 ERA, 26th in MLB, compounding the pitching concerns.
The Marlins, while not a powerhouse offensively—ranking 24th in runs scored and 21st in slugging—fielded some promising talent. Kyle Stowers, batting .272 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs, and Xavier Edwards, leading the team with a .272 average, were bright spots. Edward Cabrera, the Marlins’ starting pitcher, came into the game with a respectable 3.99 ERA and an impressive 1.78 ERA over his last five starts, striking out 5.8 batters per game and limiting hitters to a .202 average. His previous outing against the Nationals saw him post a 3.18 ERA over 5.2 innings, giving Miami a pitching edge in this matchup.
The game got off to a challenging start for the Nationals as the Marlins surged to a 6-0 lead after just three innings. James Wood managed to ignite some hope with a towering home run in the bottom of the third, narrowing the gap. However, nature intervened as the game was delayed due to thunderstorms, with the tarp coming onto the field in the bottom of the fourth inning while the Nationals trailed 6-2. Both starting pitchers had been pulled by this point, which meant the bullpens would play a crucial role once play resumed.
The Nationals announced at 10:12 p.m. ET that the game would resume around 10:30 p.m., following a forecast that predicted thunderstorms through 10:00 p.m. Fans were left in suspense as the delay stretched, hoping the weather would clear to allow the contest to finish.
Beyond the action on the field, the homestand featured a variety of fan-friendly events and promotions. Friday’s game included the Nats Postgame Summer Concert Series with rap superstar Nelly performing approximately 30 minutes after the final out, preceded by a Postgame Light Show presented by Coke with a live DJ and synchronized lights. That evening also marked Branch Appreciation Day, honoring U.S. Army members and veterans, with Army-themed programming and the opportunity for fans to take photos with Infantry Squad vehicles stationed in Center Field Plaza. Budweiser Happy Hour Entertainment complemented the festivities with the U.S. Army Band performing at the Budweiser Terrace and discounted beverages available from gates open until first pitch.
The following day, Saturday, June 14, saw a game time change to 1:05 p.m. due to planned activities in Washington, D.C. This day was highlighted by the popular Pups in the Park event, presented by the PEDIGREE Foundation. Bruce the Bat Dog, a Golden Retriever who had recently been called up by the Nationals and made his professional debut with the Rochester Red Wings in September 2024, made his Major League debut by performing the ceremonial PEDIGREE First Fetch bat retrieval. Fans could also meet adoptable dogs from Wolf Trap Animal Rescue and receive Nationals-themed bandanas for their pets. Additionally, Florida State University Day continued the Nationals College Day Series, offering fans who purchased special tickets an exclusive co-branded hat. DJ Harry Hotter provided live music during the Budweiser Happy Hour, maintaining the vibrant ballpark atmosphere.
Sunday, June 15, was Father’s Day, with 20,000 fans aged 21 and older receiving an exclusive NATS20 Hawaiian Shirt presented by Kona Big Wave. Signature Sunday brought Nationals alumni Adam LaRoche, Daniel Murphy, and Wilson Ramos to the ballpark for autograph sessions and a Q&A, providing fans with a chance to connect with franchise legends. Kids Run the Bases allowed children ages 4 to 12 to run the bases after the game, a beloved tradition that helps nurture the next generation of baseball fans.
The homestand continued into the week with the Nationals facing the Colorado Rockies from June 16 to 19. Tuesday, June 17, featured a special visit from Juventus FC legend Alessandro Matri and the team mascot Jay, who participated in a jersey swap and ceremonial first pitch ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in Washington, D.C. This day also marked $5 Tuesday, offering fans deep discounts on concessions, tickets, and parking, including $5 Bud Light beers and classic ballpark snacks.
Wednesday, June 18, was Negro Leagues Night, paying tribute to Hall of Fame catcher Josh Gibson and the Homestead Grays. The Nationals gave away 20,000 Josh Gibson bobbleheads and hosted the inaugural Negro Leagues Legacy Panel featuring experts and historians, including Sean Gibson, great-grandson of Josh Gibson, and representatives from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The evening included a 5050 Raffle benefiting the Josh Gibson Foundation and the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, with pregame ceremonies recognizing these important organizations. Singer-songwriter Jarreau Williams performed Lift Every Voice and Sing and the national anthem, adding a poignant musical touch to the event.
Thursday, June 19, marked Juneteenth, with the Nationals partnering with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture to recognize this significant holiday. Fans with special tickets, which sold out, received exclusive Nationals-branded Juneteenth jerseys and contributed to a $5 donation to the museum. The game featured pregame and in-game content highlighting key moments from Washington, D.C.’s Black history, enriching the cultural experience at Nationals Park.
Throughout the homestand, the Nationals also spotlighted their Player Pick ’Em Series, featuring a Dominican Hot Dog selected by infielders Amed Rosario and José Tena, available at The Change-Up Food Hall. Kids Eat Free continued to be a highlight, offering complimentary meals to children 12 and under at every home game, with options for vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Fans were also encouraged to support local food access initiatives by donating meals to neighbors in need.
Fans attending games were reminded of Nationals Park’s non-smoking and tobacco-free policy, the metal detector screening procedures, and encouraged to use public transportation or alternate travel methods due to ongoing construction projects around the ballpark. Parking was available online, with recommendations to purchase in advance.
As the Nationals look to turn their season around during this homestand, the blend of competitive baseball, community engagement, and fan-centric events at Nationals Park is creating an electric atmosphere. While the team battles to snap their losing streak and improve their standing, the rich schedule of activities and recognitions ensures that every game day is an experience worth attending.
