The San Diego Padres host the Washington Nationals at Petco Park on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET. Casey Mize gets the ball for San Diego against Washington's Riley Cornelio in a regular season matchup that gives the Padres a chance to add a win at home. San Diego rolls out a recognizable lineup anchored by Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill, making this a compelling late-season home date worth tuning in for on Padres.TV Presented by UC San Diego Health or KWFN 97.3.

Pitching Matchup: Casey Mize vs. Riley Cornelio

Mize draws the start for the Padres in what figures to be a pivotal outing. The right-hander will need to control the strike zone and keep Washington's offense off the bases early. Opposing him is Nationals right-hander Riley Cornelio, who will be looking to give his club a quality performance on the road. Pitching-line data for both starters is unavailable heading into the game, so the early innings will go a long way toward establishing which arm is sharp on this particular night.

San Diego Padres Starting Lineup

• 1. Fernando Tatis Jr. — RF
• 2. Jake Cronenworth — 2B
• 3. Manny Machado — 3B
• 4. Ty France — 1B
• 5. Jackson Merrill — CF
• 6. Luis Campusano — DH
• 7. Dustin Harris — LF
• 8. Xander Bogaerts — SS
• 9. Freddy Fermin — C

Keys to Watch in Tuesday's Game

Tatis Sets the Table

Fernando Tatis Jr. leads off and gives the Padres an immediate threat at the top of the order. When Tatis reaches base and uses his speed, it creates pressure that can unlock run-scoring opportunities before the middle of the lineup even steps in. A strong first inning from him could set the tone for the entire night.

Machado and France in the Heart of the Order

Manny Machado hitting third and Ty France batting cleanup is a legitimate run-producing combination. If Cornelio shows any vulnerability in the strike zone, these two are capable of making him pay in bunches. Watch for how Cornelio approaches the zone against San Diego's right-handed power.

Merrill and Bogaerts Provide Depth

Jackson Merrill in the five-hole and Xander Bogaerts hitting eighth gives this lineup a longer look than most opponents want to deal with. Bogaerts batting near the bottom means opposing pitchers can't coast through the bottom third — a factor that could matter in tight, late-inning situations.

Mize's Command

The game likely comes down to how effectively Mize manages his pitch mix and limits traffic on the bases. Petco Park's spacious outfield can suppress extra-base damage, but only if the starting pitcher is doing his part by generating weak contact and avoiding walks.

Prediction

The Padres have the lineup depth to generate enough offense against a Washington club making a road start. Mize will need to be sharp, but the combination of a strong home lineup and Petco Park's environment gives San Diego the edge here. Padres win, 5-3.