Happy Easter everyone! Today at PNC Park the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals wrapped up a four-game series. Pittsburgh had a chance to take three of four from Washington, but the Nationals were looking to split the series with a win this afternoon. After jumping out to a three-run lead it looked Washington would get that split, but the Pirates battled back late to win 5-3 and take the series.
Jose Quintana started for Pittsburgh and lasted four innings. He would allow three runs on five hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Those numbers aren’t great, but aside from a rough second inning he kept his team in the game. The Nationals plated all three of those runs in the second. It started with a Riley Adams single to score Maikel Franco. Lane Thomas and Alcides Escobar came around to score when Victor Robles singled to left.
Washington starter Patrick Corbin was solid through five innings, but ran into trouble during the sixth. He would allow two runs on three hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Diego Castillo hit into a fielder’s choice for the first Pirates run of the game. They would get their second run of the inning on a Ben Gamel single to left center.
Pittsburgh took the lead for good with a three run seventh inning. With the bases loaded, a wild pitch allowed Cole Tucker to score to tie the game at three. A single by Michael Chavis drove in Josh VanMeter. The final run came when Yoshi Tsutsugo hit into a fielder’s choice allowing Daniel Vogelbach to score. All three of these runs were charged to Nationals relief pitcher Steve Cishek.
The Pirates bullpen was solid once again today, and continues to prove it is a strength of the ball club. Wil Crowe worked 2.2 innings and gave up two hits, with a strikeout and a walk during that time. He was followed by Heath Hembree. Hembree picked up his first win of the year after pitching 1.1 innings, allowing one hit with a run and a walk. The save went to David Bednar who walked and struck out a batter during his ninth inning appearance.
Taking three of four games from any team is big, especially when it is the come from behind victory that Pittsburgh has seemed to thrive on during the early portion of this schedule. This team simply does not quit until the final out. The Pirates will now hit the road for a seven-game road trip, which begins tomorrow night with the first of three against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Record vs. Nationals: 3-1
Record vs. N.L. East: 3-1
Record at Home: 4-2
Overall Record: 5-4
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
