The Washington Nationals are set to face the Houston Astros in another exciting Spring Training matchup as both teams continue their preparation for the upcoming Major League Baseball season. The game will take place at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, and fans now have the official confirmation of the first pitch time along with broadcast information.
Spring Training games offer teams a valuable opportunity to evaluate talent, experiment with lineups, and gradually prepare players for the long regular season ahead. With roster spots still being decided, every game carries importance for players hoping to secure their place on the Opening Day roster.
Official Game Time and Date
The matchup between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM Eastern Time.
Fans who want to watch the game live can tune in through MASN for Nationals coverage, while Astros fans can follow the broadcast on AT&T SportsNet Southwest. Radio listeners will also have the option to follow the game on 106.7 The Fan (Nationals Radio Network) and SportsTalk 790 AM (Houston Astros Radio Network) with full play by play commentary.
With multiple viewing and listening options available, supporters from both teams can easily stay connected to the game.
FITTEAM Ballpark Ready for Another Spring Training Clash

FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches serves as the Spring Training home for both the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, the facility is one of the newer and most modern stadiums in the Grapefruit League.
The ballpark regularly hosts large crowds during Spring Training as fans gather to enjoy preseason baseball in a relaxed setting. The venue allows supporters to get close to the action while watching both established stars and promising prospects take the field.
Games played at this stadium often feature a mix of veteran players preparing for the season and young talents trying to make an impression.
Nationals Continue Building Toward the New Season
For the Washington Nationals, this game represents another important step in their Spring Training schedule. Coaches are closely evaluating pitching rotations, defensive combinations, and offensive production as the team works toward finalizing its roster.
Spring Training also gives younger players an opportunity to showcase their potential and compete for roster spots. Strong performances in games like this can significantly influence decisions about who will be included on the Opening Day lineup.
Veteran players, meanwhile, use these games to regain timing and build endurance after the offseason.
Astros Focused on Refining Their Lineup
The Houston Astros enter this matchup with similar objectives as they continue their Spring Training preparations. The team is experimenting with different lineup combinations and giving pitchers valuable innings before the regular season begins.
Fans watching the game can expect to see a combination of experienced major league players and emerging prospects as the Astros evaluate their roster depth.
These early season contests provide critical opportunities for players to build momentum and develop chemistry ahead of Opening Day.
A Key Moment in the Spring Training Schedule
While Spring Training games do not count in the regular season standings, they remain important for both teams and fans. They offer a first glimpse of how players are performing and how the roster might look when the season officially begins.
With the first pitch now confirmed for 1:05 PM ET, fans can mark their calendars and prepare to watch the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros take the field at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.
As Spring Training continues, each game brings teams one step closer to the start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season.