Sunday’s MLB slate kicks off with an NL East rubber match, as the Miami Marlins host the Washington Nationals at loanDepot Park.

The Nationals (19–21, 2nd NL East) secured a 3–2 victory in Friday’s series opener before the Marlins (18–22, 3rd NL East) bounced back with an 8–7 triumph on Saturday.

Looking at the pitching probables, we’ve got Washington right-hander Cade Cavalli (1–2, 4.15 ERA) taking on star Miami righty Sandy Alcantara (3–2, 4.01 ERA).

First pitch is tabbed for 12:15 p.m. ET. The Marlins enter as 1.5-run home favorites with -136 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Nationals are +113 underdogs, with the total set at O/U 8.5 runs.

Nationals vs. Marlins Preview

Washington Nationals

Washington’s young core appears to be (cherry) blossoming in 2026. The Nationals rank eighth leaguewide in wRC+ and OPS, fourth in total runs scored, and third in stolen bases. Driving the lineup is the budding star duo of James Wood and CJ Abrams, who both own an OPS north of .920. Wood went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and a walk in Saturday’s contest — while Abrams finished 2-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs. 

However, the offensive success hasn’t carried over into any other facet of the game. The Nats’ pitching staff is in complete shambles — sitting 26th in ERA, 29th in FIP, and dead last in home runs per nine innings — and the defense refuses to do the club any favors. Washington will hope to stem the tide Sunday afternoon with Cade Cavalli on the bump. The 27-year-old right-hander owns a 4.15 ERA (3.80 xERA) and a 1.70 WHIP across his first eight starts, ranking in MLB’s bottom 4% in pitching run value. Most recently, he gave up six runs (three earned) over four innings in an 11–3 thumping from the Twins.

Miami Marlins

Miami’s bats have cooled following a torrid start to the season. Despite recently welcoming back rising star Kyle Stowers — who went 3-for-4 with a home run on Saturday — the Marlins sit in MLB’s bottom half in wRC+, OPS, and total runs scored. Those numbers could continue to dip, as Miami currently ranks fifth in BABIP and 28th in xwOBA. That said, the Fish do lead the league in stolen bases. 

As for the pitching staff, Miami’s sturdy bullpen has done much of the heavy lifting. The club needs more from its starting rotation — starting with veteran right-hander Sandy Alcantara. The former NL Cy Young winner has struggled to recapture that dominance since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. Alcantara has posted a 4.01 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP across his first eight turns this season, though a 3.46 xERA and 3.85 FIP forecast a potential turnaround.  Still, he’s coming off a catastrophic outing against the Orioles, coughing up seven earned runs over 4.1 frames in a 9–7 loss.

Nationals vs. Marlins Pick, Best Bet

Whether or not the roof at loanDepot Park is open, there should be fireworks when the Nationals and Marlins collide on Sunday. Washington has been outstanding offensively and could cause problems for wavering ace Sandy Alcantara. Likewise, Miami’s fading offense could stretch its luck against the middling Cade Cavalli — and the awful defense behind him. Expect the NL East rubber match to comfortably clear 8.5 runs. 

Best Bet: Over 8.5 Runs (-105)