The Skinny: The Washington Nationals continued their hot streak by winning for the sixth time in seven games. The Nationals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon 3-2 to improve to 12-17 on the season.
The Pitching: Odalis Perez started today looking for his first win of the season. He didn’t get it. Perez left the game after seven innings of three hit ball and received a no-decision. He allowed 2 earned runs (2 solo home runs) and struck out four batters. Luis Ayala pitched a perfect 8th inning to get the win. Jon Rauch finished off the Pirates in the 9th to get the save.
The Hitting: The Nationals and Pirates were tied at two in the eighth inning. Austin Kearns, who has struggled lately, came through with a clutch single that scored the game winning run. Kearns had a pair of singles on the game and had a run scored to go with his RBI. Catcher Wil Nieves had two RBI and one hit.
What’s Next?: The Nationals and Pirates will continue their four game series tomorrow night at Nationals Park. Matt Chico (0-5) will start for the Nationals as he searches for his first win on the season. Game time is 7:35pm.