Joey Gallo broke his season-opening slump with a powerful home run that traveled 447 feet, along with two more hits, helping the Washington Nationals secure a 5-3 victory over the Pirates on Wednesday night, marking Pittsburgh’s first loss of the 2024 season. “It feels great to contribute to the team’s win,” said Gallo.
Luis García Jr. matched a Nationals record by hitting three doubles and scored twice, while CJ Abrams drove in two runs. Trevor Williams (1-0) pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs, amidst a rainy evening witnessed by 14,022 fans.
In the ninth inning, Kyle Finnegan, the Nationals’ fifth pitcher, waved off a throwing error to secure his second save of the season.
Gallo, who signed a one-year, $5 million contract as a free agent, showcased his batting skills by homering in the second inning, doubling in the third, and singling in the seventh, boosting his batting average from .000 to .188. His early struggles were evident as he struck out in half of his initial twelve at-bats.
Manager Dave Martinez emphasized Gallo’s impact, stating, “When Joey is in form, it adds power to our lineup, making it more dynamic.”
Pittsburgh’s undefeated streak came to an end, failing to score at least six runs for the first time this season. Manager Derek Shelton was ejected in the seventh inning after disputing a call by plate umpire Mike Muchlinski, which resulted in Bryan Reynolds being called out on a check-swing third strike.
Mitch Keller (0-1), the Pirates’ pitcher, endured a challenging outing, giving up four runs in the second inning after his team took a 2-0 lead. Reflecting on the game, Keller remarked, “Surrendering four runs in the second inning after we scored two is not ideal.”
Despite a two-run single by Taylor and a solo homer by Suwinski, the Pirates couldn’t overcome their early deficit against the Nationals.
