Monday, August 31

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WASHINGTON – The Washington Nationals and Washington Spirit play in each other’s backyards. After years of showing support at one another’s games, the organizations linked up on Friday for Women’s Night at Nationals Park. 

The evening was designed to celebrate the athletes, fans and team staff. It was a first-of-its-kind ticket partnership between Major League Baseball and National Women’s Soccer League teams. 

Here’s how it worked. The Nationals and Spirit offered three ticket options: the Nationals' game on Friday, the Spirit’s match on Sunday – or both. Each purchase included an exclusive Nationals x Spirit co-branded sweatshirt, embroidered with Washington D.C., icons. 

The special game tickets for Women’s Night at Nationals Park on Friday sold out. 

Beyond the sweatshirt (which was very cool, if I might say), the Nationals offered mural making, a mini-wellness workshop and a DIY craft station to decorate claw clips and clear bags. Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, based in Merrifield, Va., also had adoptable puppies and kittens at the ballpark. 

To start off the game, Lacey Eden – an Annapolis, Md., native and forward on PWHL Las Vegas – threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Eden is a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, and she was the fifth overall pick in the 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft. 

Then, the Nationals recognized the 2026 MEAC Champion Howard softball team. A special video call to “Play ball!” was delivered by 100-year-old Mae Krier, who is one of the last living iconic Rosie the Riveters. 

During the game, the Nationals gave a scoreboard video shoutout to those attending Women’s Night from D.C. professional sports teams. 

The Nationals’ Favorite Things Fundraiser also was launched as part of Women’s Night. Fans still can purchase raffle tickets that benefit the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy to win baskets of the Nationals’ favorite things, put together by the players, coaches, staff and their families.

On the injured list since Aug. 4 because of a left oblique strain, James Wood has been cleared to begin his rehab assignment. The slugging outfielder is scheduled to return to game action today with the Double-A Senators, who play at 1 p.m. ET at PNB Field. The plan is for Wood to play seven innings in left field. The Nationals have greatly missed Wood’s offense. At the time of his injury, he had a .928 OPS, 30 home runs and 17 stolen bases.

Right-hander Orlando Ribalta delivered a scoreless 10th inning to earn his first Major League win in the Nationals’ 5-4 walk-off victory against the Marlins on Saturday. 

“That was an unbelievable job by him to go through the heart of the order like that with a runner on second base. That was huge,” said manager Blake Butera. “Hopefully, he sees the confidence that we have in him to put him in that spot.” 

The 6-foot-7, 28-year-old reliever is in his third big league season. This year, he has become a key contributor in the Nationals' bullpen. Ribalta has a 3.86 ERA in 44 appearances this season, compared to a 7.03 ERA in 22 appearances in 2025. 

“I think he’s just done a nice job of being super even-keeled and not really caring if he’s coming in in the fourth inning with a big lead or the 10th inning of a tie game,” said Butera. “He's just the same guy every time, he attacks and throws a ton of strikes. The changeup he has to lefties has been really good for him.”

Natty celebrated his 6-month birthday with a paw-ty at Nationals Park! His furry friends came to the ballpark on Tuesday for a night of fun while the Nationals hosted the Rockies. The festivities included the Eukanuba Fuel Extraordinary Combine, complete with a custom scouting report.

• Today: DC Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony; Pokémon GO Day*; Signature Sundays; Kids Run the Bases

• Monday: Minor League Awards presentation (pregame); Italian Heritage Day*; American University Night*

• Tuesday: Children’s Inn at NIH visits Nationals Park; Margaritaville Night*

*Special ticket required

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