Series Preview: Pirates hope to continue strong start against Nationals

The opening series of the 2024 season could not have gone much better for the Pittsburgh Pirates as the Buccos swept the Florida Marlins to start their season off at 4-0. Now, the Pirates will turn their attention to the Washington Nationals on Monday in Washington D.C. , in hopes of continuing their hot start.

The Nationals opened their 2024 season by dropping two of three games to the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati including a 6-5 loss on Sunday afternoon in extra innings.

Last season, the Pirates dominated the seven game season series between the two sides, winning five of seven matchups including two of three last April in the nation's capital. With a win on Monday, the Pirates earned their first 5-0 start since the 1983 season. That year, the club would go onto win 84 games and finish second in the National League East.

But even with a win, the Pirates would still be a long way off their franchise record of 10 straight wins to start the season which they did in 1962. The Pirates would finish 93-68 that season and finished fourth in the National League standings.

Getting back to focus on this week's affair in Washington. Below, Rum Bunter will preview the Pirates second series of the season against the Nationals, looking at the projected pitching matchups, standout hitters to know at the plate, and more.

But first, here are the projected scheduled first pitch times and weather forecast for the series.

MONDAY - APRIL 1: 4:05 p.m. first pitch

It is not ideal weather at Nationals Park early on Monday with rain most of the morning and afternoon but Accuweather currently projects no precipitation after 3:00 p.m.

TUESDAY - APRIL 2: OFF DAY

WEDNESDAY - APRIL 3: 6:45 p.m. first pitch

The weather on Wednesday should be fine around first pitch. A chance for a few thunderstorms earlier in the day but by the time first pitch rolls around, it will be 60 degrees and no precipitation. The wind could play a small factor with gusts up to about 17 mph.

THURUSDAY - April 4: 4:05 p.m. first pitch

Thursday will be the best day of weather in the nation's capital with a projected high of 55 degrees. A slight chance of precipitation but the game shouldn't be impacted. Wind gusts once again could play a factor with the wind itself projected to be steady around 17 mph.

Now let's get into the projected pitching matchups.