Nationals face crucial series against Rangers in Texas
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 4:30 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026

The Washington Nationals begin a three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Nationals, after losing to the New York Mets 4-3 and struggling with a 5-10 record this month, find themselves six games under.500. The Rangers, currently clinging to the last Wild Card spot with a 61-64 record, look to solidify their playoff chances as both teams seek a much-needed win. Game One features Nationals LHP Jackson Kent against Rangers RHP Cal Quantrill. Upcoming matchups include Cade Cavalli starting for the Nationals on Wednesday and an unspecified pitcher lineup for the Rangers later in the series.
- •Nationals are 5-10 in August and 7.0 games back of a playoff spot.
- •Rangers are 2.0 games behind the Astros in the AL West.
- •Game One starts at 8:05 PM ET with Jackson Kent versus Cal Quantrill.
- •Cade Cavalli, with a 3.36 ERA, to pitch for the Nationals on Wednesday.
- •Rangers have yet to name their starting pitchers for the final two games.
- 4:30 PMYahoo Sports — It’s now or never for the Nats in Texas for a series against the Rangers
"If the Nationals want to push for October, the run has to start now
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