Pirates Fall to Nationals in Both Ends of Doubleheader at PNC Park

Pirates Drop Both Games as Nationals Sweep Doubleheader

The Pittsburgh Pirates faced a tough Saturday at PNC Park, falling to the Washington Nationals in both games of a doubleheader. The Pirates lost the first game 5-3 and the second 8-6, with recurring issues that have troubled them all season on full display. Offensive struggles and bullpen woes contributed to both losses, as Pittsburgh failed to take advantage of key opportunities.

Game 1: Nationals Dominate Behind DJ Herz’s No-Hit Bid

In the first game, the Pirates’ offense struggled against Nationals starter DJ Herz, who delivered five hitless innings while walking three and striking out five. Herz kept Pittsburgh’s bats silent, and Washington maintained control until Nick Gonzales broke up the combined no-hitter with a two-out single in the seventh inning. This marked the third time in a week that the Pirates went hitless into the seventh inning.

“His fastball was tough,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said of Herz. “He did a great job changing speeds, and we just couldn’t adjust.”

Despite a late push in the ninth inning that made the score 5-3, the Pirates’ comeback attempt fell short. With the bases loaded and one out, Bryan De La Cruz grounded into a game-ending double play, securing Washington’s victory. Dylan Crews was a standout for the Nationals, going 2-for-3 with a double, home run, and two RBIs. Pirates starter Luis Ortiz took the loss, allowing four runs over 5 2/3 innings, ending his 15-inning scoreless streak.

“I tried to execute with my fastball, but Crews got the best of me,” Ortiz said, with coach Stephen Morales translating.

Game 2: Bullpen Collapse Leads to Late Nationals Rally

In the second game, the Pirates’ bullpen woes resurfaced. Starter Mitch Keller delivered a strong performance, allowing just two earned runs across seven innings while striking out eight. Pittsburgh’s offense responded early, tagging Nationals starter Mitchell Parker for four runs through four innings. Keller exited with a lead, but the Pirates’ bullpen faltered once again.

Reliever Ryan Borucki, who has struggled since returning from the injured list, surrendered a two-run homer to Andres Chaparro, tying the game at 4-4 in the seventh inning. Although Pittsburgh briefly regained the lead with an eighth-inning rally, their two-run cushion proved insufficient. Closer Aroldis Chapman was tasked with finishing the game, but a two-out single from James Wood sparked a four-run rally for the Nationals, who claimed an 8-6 victory.

“It’s frustrating,” Shelton said after the game. “We were one out away from getting it done, but we’ve been in this position too many times and haven’t been able to close it out.”

Chapman took the loss, dropping to 5-5 on the season, while Nationals reliever Robert Garcia earned the win. Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan secured his 37th save by closing out both games.

Ortiz’s Streak Ends, Defense Contributes to Early Runs

Ortiz entered Game 1 having pitched 15 consecutive scoreless innings, but Washington quickly ended that streak. Dylan Crews launched a solo homer in the second inning, and defensive miscues added to Ortiz’s troubles. A passed ball allowed Luis Garcia Jr. to score from third, and an errant throw from Oneil Cruz set up another run. Crews later doubled to bring in another run, marking his second RBI of the game.

“We didn’t help Ortiz defensively,” Shelton admitted. “There were things we could have done better.”

In Game 2, Keller’s bounce-back start after a rough outing in Cleveland was a positive takeaway for Shelton. “It’s extremely important for Keller to respond like this,” Shelton said. “He’s the leader of our staff, and showing that resilience is key.”

Pirates’ Offense Finds Some Success but Misses Opportunities

While Pittsburgh’s offense struggled early in Game 1, Rowdy Tellez provided a spark with a pinch-hit two-run homer in the seventh, cutting Washington’s lead to 4-2. Nick Gonzales followed with an RBI single in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough to avoid the loss.

In Game 2, Jared Triolo provided early offense with a two-run single in the first inning. Alika Williams added an RBI double, and Oneil Cruz contributed with a sacrifice fly. The Pirates tallied 16 hits across both games but were ultimately outdone by Washington’s 20 hits.

Shelton on Missed Chances

When asked about a missed diving catch by Connor Joe that could have secured a Game 2 victory, Shelton pointed to other missed opportunities earlier in the game. “We had chances to score and add on, and we didn’t take advantage,” he said. “You can’t blame a single play — we had plenty of other opportunities.”

What’s Next

The Pirates will look to avoid a sweep as they take on the Nationals in the final game of the series on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. at PNC Park. Patrick Corbin (5-12, 5.41 ERA) is set to start for Washington, while Jared Jones (5-7, 3.91 ERA) will take the mound for Pittsburgh.